Firebirds Stop Salem International 67-50 for 5th Consecutive Win

Salem, WV: December 2, 2006—Seeking to keep their winning streak going, the University of the District of Columbia Firebirds defeated the Salem International University Tigers, 67-50, this evening in round two of the 25th Annual Joe Manchin Classic, to win the Championship and their second championship in two weeks.
UDC started the game with a 6-0 run in the first three minutes of the game, then scored 7 unanswered points in a five minute stretch to take a 17-4 lead.

The Firebirds lead 31-16 at the half-time break, shooting 52 percent from the two-point field goal range to Salem’s 26 percent. UDC continued their torrid pace in the second half, finishing the game with having made 52.5 percent of their field goals, and 75 percent of their free throws (8-8 in the first half and 13-20 in the second half).

UDC’s bench outscored Salem’s 18-10. Junior guard Charlie Smallwood paced the Firebirds with 19 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists and 8-8 free throws. Another junior guard, Antwon Hawkins, added 9 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists. Four Firebirds scored 8 points each to contribute to the win.

Shaun Mckie led the Tigers in scoring with 16 points, followed by 7 Aaron Nichols with 11 points.

The Firebirds, now 5-1 for the season, return home to face the Salem Tigers on Wednesday, December 6, at 7 p.m.