Firebirds Narrowly defeated 68-64 Against New York Tech

OLD WESTBURY, N.Y. - The University of the District of Columbia Men's Basketball Team was edged out in the dying seconds by East Coast Conference rivals New York Tech on Wednesday evening.

The Firebirds (10-13, 5-6 ECC), competed in a closely fought contest against the Bears. The first half saw the home side get off to a rapid start taking a 19-2 advantage. However, senior Aaren Smith struck 10 points and went two for two on three point shots in the first half and totalling 16 points in the game. The contest became a lot tighter and reduced the score line to end the half 38-25 to Tech.

The 2nd half opened with UDC being clinical in front of the net managing to claw the score back to 39-39 through the help of Kerry Kirkwood who lifted the Firebirds with his 10 points in the 2nd half. 

From this moment the game was tight, and with both teams taking slender leads throughout the half it became anyone's game to win. The Firebirds saw Juayne Colon take the fight to The Bears late on as he notched up a total of eight points going into the closing stages. However, with less than two minutes remaining on the clock and the score at 62-62, the home team hit a crucial three point shot to make the difference in the game.

With very little time on the clock remaining, the Firebirds continued to pile the pressure on the Bears and the game ended 68-64 to New York Tech. 

The UDC Firebirds who currently sit in fourth place in the ECC standings will be hoping to make  their playoff spot more secure when The University of Bridgeport visits, Saturday February 15th at 3PM at the UDC Gymnasium.