Firebirds Win Season Opener 90-43

Washington, DC: November 16, 2007—The University of the District of Columbia Firebirds opened the 2007 season in strong fashion tonight by soundly defeating the Chestnut Hill Griffins, 90-43, at home in Washington, D.C. Senior Willie Shaw (Alexandria, VA) paced the Firebirds with 18 points on 7-10 field goal shooting, and 4-7 from the charity stripe. Shaw also grabbed 9 rebounds, gave 2 assists and had 4 blocks in the win.

Senior Antwon Hawkins put up a double-double of 17 points on 7-8 field goal shooting, and collected 13 rebounds, while senior Frank Petersen added 16 points on 6-10 field goal shooting, 4-4 free throws and dished out 7 assists.

The Firebirds took a commanding 49-23 point lead into the break on 60 (18-30) percent shooting, 55 percent 3-point shooting and 70 percent free throw shooting.  The second half saw the Firebirds open a 13 point run to raise the lead to 62-49 before cruising to the 47 point win.

No Chestnut Hill players got into the double figures, as the tenacious UDC defense dogged them all night and controlled the backboard. Julian McFadden and Trenton Davidheiser led the Griffins with 9 points apiece.

UDC shot 57 percent (33-58) in two point field goals, 46 percent (10-22) in 3-point field goals and 61 percent (14-23) free throwing for the game.

The Firebirds will be back in action Saturday, November 17, at home against the Philadelphia University Rams.