Olukanni in Fantastic Form as Firebirds Lose 89-76 to Bridgeport

WASHINGTON, DC - The University of the District of Columbia Men's Basketball team was defeated by nationally ranked University of Bridgeport on Saturday afternoon at the UDC Gymnasium.

UDC (10-14, 5-7 ECC), entered the game knowing that the visitors were undefeated in the conference season and ranked No.11 in the national rankings for Division II.

The first half was relentless with both sides trying to command the upper hand on the game. Bridgeport who has been on top form all season took a 29-15 lead over the Firebirds, however, Zachary Olukanni scored 14 points going 1-1 on three point shots made and some excellent individual points saw UDC pull the game back slowly to make it 40-37 at the halfway stage.

The second half erupted with both teams searching for that all important win. The Firebirds took the game to the Purple Knights and a few big points by Juanye Colon who scored 21 points and added four assists in the game gave the Firebirds the early advantage in the second half with a strong 58-51 lead over the unbeaten visitors.

Although the experienced Bridgeport team pulled back that deficit with Bakary Camara and Hashem Abbas both hitting double-doubles in the game to give the Knights the lead once again.

A valiant effort by the UDC Firebirds proved too much in the end for the in-form University of Bridgeport as they went on to command the remainder of the game winning 89-76.

The Firebirds will return to action when they make the journey to ECC rivals Daemen College on Friday February 21st at 8PM.