Firebirds Down Bulldogs, 70-63, Justin Walker Named to All-Tournament Team

East Stroudsburg, PA: December 8, 2007—Senior forward Willie Shaw (Alexandria, VA) recovered from an off-day performance on Friday, where he scored only 9 points against Queens College, to lead the University of the District of Columbia Firebirds to a 70-63 win over the Wilberforce University Bulldogs today, in the consolation game of the East Stroudsburg Tournament. Shaw scored 18 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for his second double – double of the season.

UDC took a 31-21 lead into the half-time break on 33 percent (10 for 30) shooting, and at one point had a 13-point lead over Wilberforce.

The Bulldogs improved their shooting in the second half to make a 7-0 run at the 14:21 mark to take the lead and bring the score to 41-40. UDC responded with a 7-0 run of its own to regain the lead and make the score 48-41. The Firebirds led for the remainder of the game.

UDC won the game on 39 percent (25-65) field goal shooting, and shot poorly from the charity stripe, making only 15 of 35 free throws. They secured the victory with more balanced scoring than Wilberforce, having four players in double figures.

Senior guard Frank Petersen (Silver Springs, MD) was the second highest scorer for the Firebirds with 16 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals. Charlie Smallwood, a senior guard from Seat Pleasant, MD added 15 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal. Senior guard Justin Walker (Teaneck, NJ) scored 11 points, collected 6 rebounds and made 4 assists and 3 steals.

Wilberforce's Rawlston Charles was the game high scorer with 26 points, and 10 rebounds for a double-double, while Dwight Cass added another double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds.

UDC's Justin Walker was named to the All-Tournament Team along with Wilberforce's Rawlston Charles, Queen's Khaleef Allicot and  Mike Liander, and East Stroudsburg's Channon Easley and Andy Heimbach (MVP).

UDC (4-1) returns to action December 15, at home against Alderson-Broaddus College.