Close Contest as the Firebirds Lose 78-65 to Daemen.

WASHINGTON, DC – The University of the District of Columbia men's basketball team competed in a tight game against East Coast Conference opponent Daemen College in which the Firebirds lost 78-65 on Sunday afternoon at UDC Sports Complex. 

UDC faced a talented Wildcats team today who have an impressive record of 10-3 in ECC play and have now won two straight games to take their overall record to 16-7. The Firebirds (5-17, 3-10 ECC) found their rhythm in the 2nd half with a valiant effort to pull their opponents into a battle. The 2nd half saw UDC come out on top 41-37, unfortunately, Daemen managed to secure the win 78-65. The District of Columbia was led by an inspiring game by senior guard Traevon Butler with a double-double, 24 points and 12 rebounds. 

The Firebirds knew they had a tough job fighting back in the 2nd half; they battled to bring the game to within 10 points to make it 68-58 with just over four minutes remaining on the clock. With an astonishing comeback at this point, a crucial three point shot by the Wildcats put the game out of sight for the District of Columbia, with the final score at 78-65. 

Hard-fought performances contributed by junior guard Danny Shand on 15 points shooting, two assists, and two steals, senior guard Khalil Jackson with eight points, eight rebounds, three assists, and five steals, along with junior guard Kevin Cox who hit eight points and six rebounds in this exciting matchup. 

Daemen College was carried by some excellent scoring today by sophomore guard Jay Sarkis on 24 points, six assists, and five rebounds, freshman forward Andrew Sischo with 15 points and eight rebounds, sophomore forward Jeff Redband wiht 14 points, eight rebounds, and two assists, and senior forward Aleks Miljenovic hit 14 points and nine rebounds. 

UDC will be facing University of Bridgeport who are currently 10 games unbeaten with a 12-1 record in the ECC on Wednesay, 7th February at 5pm.