Triumphant Firebirds win 77-69 against LIU Post

WASHINGTON, DC – The University of the District of Columbia men's basketball team produced a fine victory on senior night against East Coast Conference rivals LIU Post 77-69 on Wednesday evening at the UDC Sports Complex.

The District of Columbia came into this contest full of confidence after a commanding victory last Saturday. They finished the 1st half trailing their opponents by two points as thePioneers proved tough contenders with a lead of 38-36 to take into the 2nd half. UDC (7-18, 5-11 ECC) showed an accomplished performance against their ECC playoff contenders as they outscored LIU Post by 10 points in the 2nd half giving UDC their 2nd straight win.

The 1st half was cagey with both teams avoiding mistakes, and both teams swapping hands at leading but with some excellent play by the Firebirds they managed to make their opponents work hard to get an advantage. Freshman guard Paul Eromoselehit back-to-back three point shots to help UDC stay in the game in the half. 

However, the 2nd half was a different tale when the Firebirds started brightly when junior guard Kevin Cox hit a three-point shot to give the Firebirds a 45-40 lead early on. The Pioneers found it hard to break UDC down and with both teams within touching distance of each other, the District of Columbia made the most of their opportunities in the final minutes.   Senior guard Traevon Butler led by example with two outstanding shots to give the Firebirds a 69-62 lead . UDC at this stage went on to comfortably win 77-69.

The Firebirds were lead by senior guard Traevon Butler who on senior night scored 17 points, four rebounds, three assists, and two steals. He was supported by junior guard Danny Shand with 17 points, eight rebounds, four assists, and four steals. Junior guard Kevin Cox also chipped in 11 points and three rebounds.

LIU Post put up some inspiring performances with senior guard Kyle McLeggan getting 19 points, five assists, two rebounds, and three steals, along with sophomore guard Jared Rivers who added 17 points, four rebounds, and two assists.

Next, UDC will make the trip to ECC competitors New York Institute of Technology on Saturday, February 17th at 3:30PM