Testing Loss for the firebirds as NYIT Win 89-69

OLD WESTBURY, NY – The University of the District of Columbia men's basketball team lost to East Coast Conference rival NYIT 89-69 on Saturday afternoon at Recreation Hall. 

The District of Columbia (7-19, 5-12 ECC) were hoping to continue excellent recent form of a two game win streak today over an NYIT side who were looking to avenge the Firebirds who beat them earlier in the season. However, the Bears came out on top with an impressive 2nd half performance that split the two teams.  

The 1st half was incredibly tight as the firebirds trailed the 1st half by just a single point to make it 39-38. Although, with the game looking like it would go down to the wire, NYIT stole the 2nd half with two early three-pointers in the 1st minute of the last half which gave the Bears the confidence they needed to control the contest.

At times the Firebirds proved why they had won the last two games, however, missed chances allowed NYIT to gain momentum and stop the District of Columbia from picking up another win. 

UDC was led by junior guard Danny Shand who turned in a superb effort with 20 points, five rebounds, three assists, and four steals to give the firebirds some hope. He was supported by senior guard Khalil Jackson who almost took a double double with 11 points and nine rebounds. And junior guard Quadire Truesdale had 11 points, three rebounds, and two assists. 

NYIT Bears had numerous high performers today with junior forward Jeffrey Hayden seeing 28 points, seven rebounds, and four assists, junior guard Kieran Hamilton had 20 points, and an impressive double double by junior guard Tyler Ancrum took 10 points and 13 assists.

The Firebirds end their season when they visit ECC tournament chasers St. Thomas Aquinas, Friday, February 23rd at 3PM.