Firebirds Clutch Close Victory over Mavericks

Washington, D.C.- The University of the District of Columbia's men's basketball team clutched an important Conference victory over the Mercy Mavericks in an intense showdown on Wednesday evening at the UDC Gymnasium. With this win the Firebirds improved to 4-5 in league play to place them fifth in the ECC standings, keeping them in the bid for the playoffs. 

Senior Guard Zachary Olukanni led the Firebirds with 17 points, nine rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block. Cheyenne Nettleton came of the bench to contribute 12 points, three rebounds and three assists and teammate Juanye Colon added 11 points, six rebounds, three assists and a game high four steals. 

Both teams struggled offensively going less than 40% from the field but the Mavericks were able to take the early lead over the Firebirds. A couple of made free throws by Olukanni at the 7:57 mark gave UDC their first lead of the game. After a bit of back forth the Firebirds would lead the Mavericks 35-32 going into half time. 

UDC would start the second half with a 6-0 run, but a foul called on Nettleton at the 17:18 mark sent Garrett Kirkland to the free throw line where he sank two shots to end the Maverick's drought. The rest of the half saw both teams battle it out with three different game ties, but a jumper made by Aaren Smith from behind the arc at the 2:38 mark, gave UDC the 64-63 lead that they would hold on to, to claim victory. 

UDC (9-12, 4-5 ECC) will head to N.Y. on Saturday February 8, to face off against Molloy College who defeated them in an intense overtime game back in December. Molloy is currently the fourth seed with a league play record of 5-4. The game is slated to start at 3:00pm.