Nettleton Magnificent in Firebirds Narrow OT Defeat to St. Thomas Aquinas

SPARKILL, NY - The University of the District of Columbia Men's Basketball team narrowly lost 88-83 in an intense East Coast Conference match at St. Thomas Aquinas.

The Firebirds (11-17, 6-10 ECC), were met by an electrifying start by the home side, UDC reacted to make sure the game was not out of sight early with Kerry Kirkwood hitting 11 points in the first half along with five rebounds. He finished the game with 18 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists.

Although, Cheyenne Nettleton was on fire as his first half 11 points from the bench and three of four were three point efforts made. His overall performance lifted the Firebirds as he made a remarkable game high 28 points and going eight of 12 on three point shots.

One of Nettleton's all important three point shots took UDC to overtime with 17 seconds remaining on the clock.

Overtime was cagey as both teams especially the Firebirds knew what was at stake with a win. A promising start saw the prominent figure of Zachary Olukanni make a commanding dunk to make it 76-74.

But Aquinas hit back with their own big shots, and with the game at 81-81 after back-to-back points made by Jahmir Marable Williams the game was in the balance with a minute on the clock.

However, desperate fouls made at the end saw the Spartans take advantage to clinch victory with seconds remaining on the clock.

The Firebirds will not be heading to the ECC Playoffs after today's results went against UDC for the remaining spots. The Firebirds will also welcome back six of the team back in the 2020-21 season.