Firebirds’ Second-Half Surge Falls Short in 64-59 Loss to Mercy

Washington, D.C. – The University of the District of Columbia Firebirds put up a valiant fight in the second half, but their comeback bid fell short as they dropped a 64-59 decision to Mercy College in East Coast Conference (ECC) action on Saturday afternoon.

After a sluggish first half where UDC managed just 20 points on 26.9% shooting, the Firebirds roared back with a strong second-half performance, outscoring Mercy 39-30. Charles Holley Jr. led the charge with 19 points, while Vernon Simmons contributed 12 points, eight rebounds, and two steals. The Firebirds fought back to cut the deficit to five points late in the game, but Mercy's clutch shooting and defensive stops proved to be the difference.

UDC started off cold offensively, shooting just 20.6% (7-of-34) in the first half. Mercy capitalized on UDC's struggles, extending their lead to 34-20 at halftime.

UDC came out the break, outscoring Mercy 21-15, cutting the deficit to just eight points (49-41). The Firebirds cut the lead to five (61-56) with under two minutes to play, but Mercy responded with a key three-pointer and crucial free throws to hold on for the win. Mercy was led by Nathan Robertson, who recorded 17 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists, while Ethan Robertson added 18 points and 6 rebounds.

Key Performances

• Charles Holley Jr.: 19 points (5-11 FG, 4-8 3PT, 5-7 FT), 1 rebound
• Vernon Simmons: 12 points (6-12 FG), 8 rebounds, 2 steals
• Elijah Crawford: 8 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists
• Tevin Curtis: 8 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists

Team Statistics

• Field Goal Percentage: UDC 26.9% (18-67) | Mercy 43.1% (22-51)
• Three-Point Shooting: UDC 31.6% (6-19) | Mercy 33.3% (7-21)
• Free Throw Percentage: UDC 65.4% (17-26) | Mercy 61.9% (13-21)
• Rebounds: UDC 52 | Mercy 35
• Assists: UDC 13 | Mercy 17
• Turnovers: UDC 15 | Mercy 16

Prior to today's mach up the Firebirds celebrated four seniors, Tevin Curtis, Elijah Crawford, Vernon Simmons and Rashad Faust.

UDC (4-17, 2-11 ECC) is back in action on Tuesday for a road out-of-conference match up against Chestnut Hill at 7:00pm.