UDC Lose 93-90 in Overtime Heartbreak Against the Wildcats

AMHERST, NY - The University of the District of Columbia Men's Basketball team was agonizingly close as they lost 90-93 against East Coast Conference, Daemen College at Lumsden Gymnasium.

The Firebirds (10-15, 5-8 ECC), were met by a ruthless opening by the Wildcats as they struck two three point shots in the first few minutes of the game. The pace of this match up continued to excite with both sides hitting three point shots to make the score 27-18 at the halfway stage of the first period.

With more pressure being piled on by Daemen, the Firebirds were stunned into action to save the half from being one-sided. Senior, Zachary Olukanni once again in fine form scored 17 points in the first half ending with 23 points in the game. Also, sophomore Juanye Colon was firing on all cylinders going two for two on three point shots and 13 points in the first half to make it 53-40 at the half.

UDC came out in the second half knowing they had an uphill battle on their hands to save the game. An early flurry of points made by senior Aaren Smith who was rampant in the second half scored 20 points in the game. The Firebirds slowly pulled the Wildcats back into sight as they reached the midway stage of the second half making it 65-61.

The final stages of the second half were dramatic as the Firebirds up 83-81 with a second remaining on the clock were met by Daemen's Andrew Sischo who hit a game-high 27 points and is No. 8 in the national rankings for points per game to make it 83-83 taking it into overtime.

The District of Columbia entered the overtime period locked throughout with the home side. Both teams cautiously defended and made the shots count. Although, a layup by Sischo with 19 seconds remaining put the Wildcats 92-90 and finally closed out the game ending in a 93-90 loss for the Firebirds.

UDC will be back on court when they visit ECC competitors, Roberts Wesleyan College, tomorrow at 4PM.