Explosive Second Half Propels Firebirds Over Mavericks and Back into the Win Column

DOBBS FERRY, N.Y.- The University of the District of Columbia's mens basketball team defeated Conference foe Mercy College , 81-69 to secure their first conference win of the season. The Firebirds improved to 1-1 in the ECC while the Mavericks fell to 1-1.

Ten Firebirds worked their way onto the scoreboard, showcasing the depth of their offense. Leading the way with a double-double was Hartnel Haye on 16 points and 13 rebounds. Micah Campbell and Jahmir Marable-Williams also added double-figure scoring with 15 and 11 points each. Freshman, Montez Steele recorded his first career points as a Firebird going 1-2 from behind the arc and 2-4 from the field.

A slow offensive start, had the Firebirds trailing by ten going into half-time. The Mavericks out rebounded the Firebirds, resulting in a 14-2 upper hand on second chance points and made a 10-0 run halfway through to put the Firebirds in a slump. 

UDC managed to shake off the slug coming off the break, posting 51 points from 62.9% shooting from the field, while holding the hosts to just 28.1%. The Firebirds took the lead with 15:51 to go in regulation and never looked back, leading by as much as 14 points in the last few minutes.

The Firebirds had more points in the paint (46-26) and converted more points off turnovers (19-11). They had the edge on rebounds as well as fewer turnovers. Tevin Curtis and Eric Morgan Jr also came off the bench to combine for 18 points. 

Up Next, UDC (3-5, 1-1 ECC) will head back to N.Y. on Tuesday to face off against the College of Staten Island, to conclude conference play for the semester. Tip-Off is set for 7:30 PM.