Firebirds Fall Short in Hard-Fought Battle Against American International, 80-72

Washington, D.C.- The University of the District of Columbia men's basketball team fell to American International College, 80-72, in a closely contested game on Saturday afternoon at the E.B Henderson Sports Complex. Despite a stellar season-high 25-point effort from Khyrie Staten, the Firebirds couldn't overcome a balanced performance by the visiting Yellow Jackets.

The game was tightly contested, with UDC trailing 40-37 at halftime. American International used a strong second-half performance to extend their lead and secure the victory. UDC fought back late in the game but fell short in closing the gap.

Khyrie Staten led the Firebirds with 25 points, shooting 9-of-16 from the field and 5-of-6 from the free-throw line. Tevin Curtis added 19 points and 3 assists, while Gene Anderson contributed 10 points and 1 rebound. American International's Justice Ellison posted a game-high 33 points and went 12-of-14 from the free-throw line.

Key Performances

• Khyrie Staten : 25 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists
• Tevin Curtis : 19 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists
• Gene Anderson : 10 points, 1 rebound

Team Statistics

• Field Goals: UDC 28-64 (43.8%), AIC 27-57 (47.4%)
• Three-Point Shooting: UDC 4-12 (33.3%), AIC 10-26 (38.5%)
• Free Throws: UDC 12-18 (66.7%), AIC 16-21 (76.2%)
• Rebounds: UDC 31, AIC 40
• Turnovers: UDC 14, AIC 20

UDC (3-8, 1-2 ECC) concludes play for the year and will be back in action on January 8th, heading to St Thomas Aquinas Colllege to resume Conference play.