Heated Match Up Against Conference Rival Ends in Tight Loss for Firebirds

ROCKVILLE CENTRE, N.Y.- The University of the District of Columbia's men's basketball team fell to conference rival, Molloy University Wednesday evening at the Queasly Gymnasium. The Firebirds fell to to 2-3 in conference play while the Lions improved to 5-1.

The Firebirds were led by senior point guard Jahmir Marable-Williams who posted a season high 22 points while padding the stat sheet with seven rebounds, five assists and three steals. Hartnel Haye pulled down a game high 10 rebounds, while making two blocks, two steals and eight points. Tevin Curtis came off the bench to add 12 points and Michael Aiken rounded out double figure scoring with 10 points.

The Firebirds and the Lions ended the first half tied up 39-39. Molloy took the early lead with back to back three's, leaving UDC to play catch up, most of the way. Back to back jump shots by Nicolaus Kenton and Torrence Horton with 2:06 remaining, gave the Firebirds their first lead of the game but the final few minutes of the half saw some more action as the two teams traded buckets to even the score going into the break.

Molloy started the second half the same way they stayed the first- sinking a jump shot from behind the arc. The second half saw over seven lead changes and six ties, as both teams matched up pretty evenly. The Lions managed to go on a run that gave them an 11 point lead with 7:36 remaining in regulation. The Firebirds responded inching away at the deficit making it a one-point game with just 40 seconds remaining. In the end it was the home team that was victorious as they ended the last few seconds with a layup and a couple of made free throws.

Molloy shot at 50.8% from the field while UDC shot at 43.4%. The Firebirds forced more turnovers 17-13, and converted more points off those turnovers 22-12.

Next Up, UDC (4-10, 2-3 ECC) is back at home as they look to host Queens College on Saturday at 3:00 PM.