UDC Firebirds Lose Close One to VUU Panthers 69-74

Washington, DC: January 18, 2007—There was an electric atmosphere in the Physical Activities Center to night as the University of the District of Columbia Firebirds played the nationally ranked  (14th) Virginia Union Panthers in their second meeting of the season. The Firebirds had revenge on their minds, as they hoped to win round two of the series after losing to the Panthers last week in Richmond. Alas, it was not to be as they fell to the Panthers by the score of 69-74.

The Firebirds started in a hurry with a 6-0 run in the first two minutes, opening with a two pointer by junior guard Antwon Hawkins (Mitchellville, Maryland), but the Panthers hung around, never allowing the lead to get out of hand and taking advantage of second chance opportunities, 15 to the Firebirds’ three.  The Firebirds led 33-24 at the break on 41 percent (12-29) field goal shooting while making 83 percent (5-6) of their free throws.

UDC continued to lead in the second half until the 13:58 mark when Brad Byerson made two free throws for Union, to tie the game at 40-40. Union took the lead at the 12:41 mark on a free throw by Steve Miller. The Firebirds regained the lead 43-42 at the 12:07 mark on a lay-up by junior forward Willie Shaw (Alexandria, VA).

Union tied the score at 43 on a free throw by Chris Greene at the 11:35 mark, but then took the lead again when Greene made the second of two free throws. UDC came back to take the lead 55-54 on a jumper by junior guard Justin Walker (Teaneck, NJ)) at the 6:22 mark.

The Panthers tied the score at 55 on a free throw by Brad Byerson then took the lead for good on a jumper by Buster Perkins at the 5:15 mark.

Union shot 34 percent for the game to UDC’s 40 percent, but made 69 percent of their free throws to UDC’s 58 percent. Union’s rebounding made the difference for them in the game as they grabbed 48 to UDC’s 40.

Brad Byerson paced the Panthers with a double-double of 21 points and 12 rebounds, and Chris Greene also produced a double-double of 17 points and 15 rebounds.

Charlie Smallwood led the Firebirds with a game high 25 points, followed by junior guard Frank Petersen (Silver Spring, MD) with 12 points.

The Firebirds (10-5) will be back in action on Saturday, January 20, at 2 p.m., at home against the Mountain Cats of the University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown.