Despite Hot Shooting, UDC Loses to Alderson-Broaddus, 80-77

There was excitement in the air.  The UDC Firebirds returned home for the first time since November 24th. They won their last game against Wilberforce.  Their record was a nice 4-1.  However, even with the home crowd, the Firebirds lost to the Alderson-Broaddus Battlers, 80-77. 

UDC shot the ball from everywhere on the floor, well almost everywhere. Despite shooting 48% (30-62) for the game, the Firebirds shot only 32% (10-23) from the free-throw line.  They missed 10 attempts in the second half which thwarted every run the Firebirds made.  Alderson-Broaddus fared much better, shooting 85% from the free throw line. 

There were some bright spots for the Firebirds.  Forward Willie Shaw led UDC with 22 points and 8 rebounds.  Freshman guard Tim Ellison had an impressive game, shooting 6-9, including 5-8 from behind the three-point line, while scoring 17 points. 

Alderson-Broaddus started the game out hot, taking a 20-11 lead with 12:02 left in the first half.  UDC started to make shots and closed the deficit to three with 2:23 left.  The teams battled back and forth and Alderson-Broaddus held the lead at halftime, 33-32. 

The second half began much like the first one ended, with the teams staying close to each other.  Alderson-Broaddus makes a mini run extending the lead to eight, 58-46 with 8:16 left in the game.  That’s when Ellison began a barrage of three straight three pointers, bringing the Firebirds within one, 58-57.  However, UDC could never get the lead and the Battlers nailed their free throws down the stretch, sending the Firebirds to defeat.