UDC Unable to Hold Off STAC; Drops Conference Opener 78-83

WASHINGTON, DC- The University of the District of Columbia's men's basketball team put up a tough fight against the defending ECC Champions, St Thomas Aquinas College, but eventually fell 78-83 in their conference opener, Wednesday night. The Firebirds fell to 2-5 on the season and 0-1 in conference play, while the Spartans improved to 6-1 and 1-0 in the league.

Micah Campbell posted his third double-double of the season scoring a team high 19 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks. Eric Morgan Jr came off the bench to add 14 points, knocking down a team high two 3-pointers. Jahmir Marable-Williams and Tevin Curtis rounded out double-figure scoring with 11 and 10 points each.

The Firebirds took the early 8-0 lead in the opening minutes to shake up the visiting Spartan team. UDC led the next nine minutes before STAC tied up the game with less than eight minutes to go. The last five minutes of the half saw a few lead changes and ties, but the home team kicked in another gear going on an 11-0 run in the last three minutes to take a ten point lead into half-time.

Coming off the break, UDC opened their lead to as much as 13, but the Spartans slowly chipped away at the deficit, taking their first lead of the half with less than five minutes to go. The Firebirds didn't go quietly as a couple of made free throws by Kenyon Stone gave them a one-pooint lead with just 1:50 remaining. STAC secured their win drawing back to back fouls to head to the charity stripe, for the 83-78 win.

The Firebirds shot at a higher percentage from the field (43.8%-38.5%) but were plagued by turnovers as STAC converted them into more points 17-10.

Next Up, UDC (2-5, 0-1 ECC) will head to N.Y. on Saturday to face off againstt Mercy College with a tip-off time of 2:00 PM.