Colon Sinks Clutch Three-Pointer to Lead UDC into OT; Firebirds Fall to Lions 102-101

Washington, DC- The University of the District of Columbia's Men's basketball team fell to Molloy College in their conference opener and highest scoring game of the season. UDC fell to 4-6 overall, 0-1 ECC, while the Lions improved to 4-4, 1-0 ECC.

In both teams highest scoring game of the season, the Firebirds had six double figure scorers and the Lions had five. Senior forward Aaren Smith led the Firebirds with a season high 21 points going 8-13 from the field, 2-5 at the three-point line and 3-4 from the free throw line. Junior guard Cheyenne Nettleton totaled 20 points off the bench going 6-15 from the field and 7-12 from the free throw line. Jahmir Marable Williams contributed 17 points in his second start of the season going 5-7 from the field and 7-10 at the free throw line. Kerry Kirkwood was on fire at the three-point line hitting a season high five three pointers and going 5-11 from the field to total 15 points while also assisting with eight shots. Zachary Olukanni hit his third double-double of the season with 13 points and 12 rebounds. 

The Lions led the Firebirds 50-43 going into half time with a 58.8 shot percentage from the field. They were led by Pano Pavlidis who went a perfect 8-8 from the field and 1-1 from the three-point line to total 17 points. Kirkwood went back and forth with reserve Steven Torre at the three-point line, with Kirkwood sinking four and Torre sinking three. 

The second half saw Molloy lead the entire way opening up the gap by 10 points. UDC fought their way back to close the lead by only two points with 13 seconds to go. A foul called on Olukanni sent Nick Corbett to line where he went 1-2, to bring the score to 87-84. With less than four seconds to go and the pressure on heavy Juanye Colon managed to sink a three pointer to tie the game and send both teams into overtime. 

With only five minutes on the clock the Firebirds took the early lead and pulled away from the Lions 96-88 at the 2:15 mark. The last minute of the game saw the most play with a total of six fouls called. A combination of two three pointers and two made free throws made in the last 13 seconds of the game allowed Molloy to claim victory edging out UDC 102-101.

Colon scored a total of 11 points to rack up his seventh double figure scoring game of the season. He also led the court with five steals.

UDC will continue conference play on Wednesday December 14^that 7:00pm as they head to N.Y to face off against Bridgeport University.