Firebirds took flight on senior night to secure a spot in the ECC Playoffs!

Washington, D.C. (March 2. 2019) – Led by senior Danny Shand with a team high 27 points and a perfect 14-14 at the free throw line, the UDC Firebirds was able to soar past the Queens college Knights to secure the number 6 slot in the East Coast Conference playoffs.

From the very beginning the heat was turned all the way up on the basketball court as both teams brought the energy in hopes of continuing their season in post. The intensity was just as high as the stakes, as both teams stayed within 5 points of each other the entire first half. Queens came back with a vengeance during the first few minutes of the second half to lead the firebirds 42-41, however their lead was short lived after a three pointer from Shand and a few free throws by Olukanni put the firebirds back in the lead. Henry Dwayne, the Knights star player of the evening with 29 points, was able to again even out the score with the firebirds. After what seemed like a roller coaster ride the Firebirds managed to pull away from the Knights, sealing the deal with a 13-point victory and securing their spot in the play-offs. The final scores being 75-62.

Seniors Cox, Truesdale and Shand had a very strong showing as they contributed 43 out of the teams 75 points. Olukanni was the team's second leading scorer last night with 14 points.

"We are very excited about getting an opportunity to play in the ECC playoffs," said Head Coach Mike Riley. " Although our opponent Molloy has beaten us twice, we feel we have an opportunity to go up there and play well and give ourselves a competitive chance to win the game. I am very happy for the seniors who were successful in their last home game. It was an exciting game to play and the attendance of family, friends, students and alumni made the atmosphere great."

The firebirds will head to New York on March 6^thwhere they will face off against Molloy College at 7:00pm.