Men's Basketball Battle Daemen to Double Overtime

AMHERST, N.Y.- the University of the District of Columbia's men's basketball team fell to Daemen University 98-103, after what turned out to be a double-overtime thriller.

Eric Morgan Jr posted a career and game-high 26 points off 50% shooting, knocking down multiple clutch shots on the night. Toren Portee also had a career-high 18 points going 72.7% from the field. Vernon Simmons came off the bench to add 17 points and a team-high nine rebounds and Tevin Curtis and Hartnel Haye scored 15 and 10.

The Wildcats led the way in the first half outscoring UDC 38-34.  With a lot on the line for post season play, the Firebirds refused to let the Wildcats get too far ahead responding to every play. 

A pair of free throws made by Simmons with 3:10 remaining in regulation led to the Firebirds first lead of the second half, one that they would extend to four. DU managed to tie the game at 80 with just nine seconds to go, forcing the first overtime. 

A three-point jumpshot by Daemen with 46 seconds to go seemed to sealed the deal until Morgan Jr, immediately responded with a three pointer of his own to make it a one point game. The Wildcats netted a jumper at the 18 second mark to get the two point edge on UDC, but Morgan Jr came in the clutch again with a jumper at nine seconds to tie the game up at 89, to force a second overtime. 

Daemen went on an early run to kick off the double overtime, but again the Firebirds refuse to be put down easily. Morgan Jr sunk a three with 1:06 remaining to make it a one point game and went on to knock down a jumper at 18 seconds to keep the Firebirds in contention. A pair of free throws by Daemen, however sealed the deal. 

The Firebirds shot at 46.9% from the field while the Wildcats shot at 49.3%. Daemen led with points in the paint (44-36) and rebounds 45-36 but also had more turnovers (18-16).

Up next, UDC (8-14, 6-7 ECC) will face off against Roberts Wesleyan on Saturday at 4:00 pm.