Fabulous Firebirds Raise the Roof in Thrilling 83-81 Victory Over Mercy.

WASHINGTON, DC – The University of the District of Columbia men's basketball team claimed an emphatic win over East Coast Conference opponent Mercy College, 83-81 on a special Saturday afternoon during the D.C. Masonic Classic at the UDC Sports Complex. 

The Firebirds made a remarkable comeback after a difficult 1st half against the Mavericks, after trailing 41-33 at half time. UDC (6-18, 4-11 ECC) sparked to life in the 2nd half and with 6.28 minutes remaining on the clock the District of Columbia were in touching distance with the score 65-63. The Firebirds were involved in a thrilling battle with the Mercy Mavericks, and with UDC 12 points behind at the 18 minute mark in the 2nd half they remarkably turned it round at the final whistle. The turning point came with eight minutes remaining when senior guard Traevon Butler produced a fine layup to give the District of Columbia inspiration. The contest got even more exciting when junior guard Kevin Cox with 4 minutes left placed a perfect three-point shot to draw their opponents closer at 71-69. With three seconds left, a stunning jump shot by junior guard Danny Shand gave UDC an incredible win, 83-81 to lift the crowd off their feet. 

Shand went on to finish the game with an impressive 18 points, two rebounds, three assists, and six steals. Meanwhile, senior guard Traevon Butler proved equally outstanding with a total of 18 points and three assists. Shand and Butler were given tremendous support by their teammates - with junior guard Kevin Cox adding 13 points, six rebounds, and two assists, senior guard Khalil Jackson who saw 10 points, three rebounds, and two assists, junior guard Quadire Truesdale and freshman forward Maurice Waters saw nine points each with Truesdale dishing out five rebounds and Waters six rebounds. 

For Mercy, junior guard Sal Barbetto carried the scoring with a game-high 21 points. He was accompanied by senior guard Kelvin Howard with 13 points, eight rebounds, and three assists. 

Next up, UDC will host LIU Post in their final home game of the season along with senior day to celebrate our seniors: Traevon Butler, Kyle Williams, Khalil Jackson, Anthony Matthews, and Adom Robinson on Wednesday, February 14th, 7pm.