Firebirds Fall 80-79 After Last Second Foul Results in Free Throws

Flushing, NY – The University of the District of Columbia men's basketball team were narrowly defeated 80-79 by Queens College Saturday afternoon.

The Firebirds (9-8) struggled from behind the three point line despite shooting a better percentage from the field.

The Knights (4-14) undefeated at home, started the game on a 18-4 run over the first  eight minutes of the game. They were led by Tyrese Crosdale who finished the day with 28 points and seven rebounds.

Junior guard Zachary Olukanni led the Firebirds with a career-high 26 points on 10-of-17 shooting and 6-of-10 shooting at the foul line. Senior guard Kevin Cox was also a standout scoring 15 points on 6-of-12 shooting and nine rebounds. Freshman guard Juanye Colon defensively was a problem for the Knights grabbing three steals for the second straight game. He also scored 14 points on 5-of-10 shooting (3-of-7 from the three) and two rebounds.

Another key UDC contributor was senior point guard Quadire Truesdale with 10 points, a team-high five assists, four rebounds, and two steals. The Firebird offense woke up in the second half with them shooting 61 percent from the field (19-of-31) as the Knights struggled to shoot (9-of-26). UDC went on a 12-2 run in the last five minutes to bring the to 77-76. The Knights Dwayne Henry Jr made two free throws to bring the lead to three 79-76. Juanye Colon tied the game up on a three pointer with seven seconds left on the clock. After a short timeout Dwayne Henry Jr drew a shooting foul as time expired and missed the first free throw. He would make the second free throw to give the Knights the win.

The Firebirds next game is away vs ECC conference rival Roberts Wesleyan on January 25th. Tip-off is at 8 p.m.