UDC Drops Opener to West Liberty, 99-95

Johnstown, PA: November 17, 2006— The University of the District of Columbia Firebirds dropped their season opener to West Liberty State College,99-95,  tonight in the University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown Classic in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. UDC shot 54 percent from the field to West Liberty’s 67 percent, in the loss.

UDC led 52-50 at the end of the first half, but allowed West Liberty to overtake them in the second half, 49-43. Corey McDuffie paced West Liberty to the win with 27 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists. Chris Banal followed with 19 points, 2 rebounds and 1 assist. Shane Maynard added 17 points, grabbed 9 rebounds and gave out 4 assists.

UDC’s Justin Walker (Teaneck, NJ) led the Firebirds in scoring with 22 points, and tallied 5 rebounds with 1 assist in the losing effort. Frank Petersen (Silver Spring, MD) followed with 19 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists. Charlie Smallwood (Bowie, MD) contributed 16 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists.

UDC will play Wheeling Jesuit College on Saturday, November 18, at 5:30 p.m., in their last game of the UPJ Classic.