Momentum With Firebirds as they win again, 64-58 against Holy Family

PHILADELPHIA, PA – The University of the District of Columbia men's basketball team pulled off a strong 2nd half showing against regional competitors Holy Family to win, 64-58 on Tuesday evening at the Campus Center Gymnasium. 

UDC coming off the back of a good East Coast Conference victory against Queens College at the weekend were in full swing this evening, and the Firebirds (4-16, 2-9 ECC) were in a tight battle with the Holy Family tigers as the 1st half proved an intense contest that ended 22-22. Senior guard Khalil Jackson who hit a total of 16 points and five rebounds led the District of Columbia. The Firebirds maintained their recent good form by holding strong in the 2nd half to finally see the game out, 64-58. 

With both teams unable to shake each other off in the 1st half, UDC produced some good work to make sure that the score line stayed even. The 2nd half was much more positive by the Firebirds as they took a 33 point lead to give the Tigers an uphill battle from that moment. Junior guard Kevin Cox was at the heart of this impressive 2nd half display by UDC as he came up with the only double-double of the game by scoring 11 points and 10 rebounds to set the pace for the game. However, with determination Holy Family continued in their efforts to pull back the Firebirds. They managed to reduce the score to 60-57, which left UDC a nervy minute to try and close out the game and eventually ended 64-58 to the District of Columbia for their 2nd consecutive win. 

Other performers for the Firebirds were junior guard Quadire Truesdale with 10 points and five rebounds, along with junior guard Danny Shand's 14 points, eight rebounds, and six assists. And senior guard Traevon Butler who took eight points and an impressive nine rebounds to help his side to victory this evening. 

Holy Family certainly pressured the Firebirds and with an extraordinary 2nd half to pull the game back, they were led by sophomore forward Sean Griffin with 16 points and six rebounds, sophomore guard Manny Casie produced 13 points and five rebounds, and freshman guard Michael Power saw 11 points and eight assists. 

UDC will host two ECC games this weekend, first against Roberts Wesleyan, Friday, February 2nd at 7pm. Then against Daemen College, Sunday, February 4th at 3pm.