Firebirds Snag Conference Victory over Saints 83-69

WASHINGTON, DC- The University of the District of Columbia defeated D'Youville College 83-69, in their first-ever matchup, Friday evening at the UDC Sports Complex Gymnasium. UDC improved to 3-9 on the season and 2-1 in conference e play, while DYC fell to 1-10 on the season and 0-3 in the ECC.

The Firebirds were able to pull off the win with just six active players. Jahmir Marable-Williams was one rebound shy of a triple-double posting 15 points, 12 assists, and nine rebounds. Kenyon Stone registered a game-high 25 points for the third time this season going 8-15 from the field, 3-5 from behind the arc, and a perfect 6-6 from the foul line. Tevin Curtis and Hartnel Haye also contributed double-figure scoring with Curtis posting 17 points and a game-high four steals and Haye contributing 10 points and seven rebounds. Phillip Brown Jr was just shy of a double-double putting up nine points and nine rebounds and David Buriss capped off the points adding seven and grabbing four boards. 

The Saints took the early lead which they rode for the first six minutes of the game. A layup by Curtis with 13:52 to go in the first half gave the Firebirds their first lead, which they kept until a three-point jumper by Noah Denz evened out the score 21-21. UDC eventually made a break opening an eight-point lead going into half-time.

The Firebirds opened the second half with Stone knocking down a jumper from behind the arc to make it an 11-point game. This lead would grow to as much as 18, after Haye sunk a jumper with 9:24 left in regulation. The visiting Saints were able to shave the deficit down to eight, putting themselves back in the game, but went on to send three different Firebirds at the foul line five different times. UDC was able to capitalize and open their lead to 14 points winning the game 83-69.

UDC (3-9, 2-1 ECC) will host conference foe Daemen College on Monday, December 20. The tip-off is set for 5:00 pm.