GWU Escapes UDC with 74-71 OT Win

Washington, DC: October 31, 2007—In an exciting pre-season basketball game, the George Washington University Colonials narrowly escaped a major upset tonight when they defeated the University of the District of Columbia Firebirds, 74-71, in overtime at the Charles E. Smith Center. The Firebirds led most of the game and were forced into overtime when GWU’s Wynton Witherspoon was fouled by UDC’s Antwon Hawkins with 12 seconds remaining, and hit the back end of two free throws to tie the score at 64 to end regulation time.

UDC led 28-26 at the break on 45% (9-20) field goal shooting, 28% (2-7) 3-point field goal shooting, and 47% (8-17) free throw shooting. GWU ended the first half shooting 33% (8-24) field goals, 30%(3-10) three point shooting and 63 % (7-11) free throw shooting.

Wynton Witherpoon paced the Colonials to the win with 20 points, 9 rebounds and 3 steals. Noel Wilmore followed with 12 points, 2 rebounds and 1 steal, while Maureece Rice contributed 11 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists.

  Senior Frank Petersen (Silver Spring, MD) led the Firebirds with 22 points, 4 rebounds and 3 steals, while senior Willie Shaw (Alexandria,VA) followed with a double-double of 18 points and 14 rebounds.  Senior Charlie Smallwood (Palmer Park, MD) added 11 points and 4 rebounds.

For the game, UDC shot 41 % (18-44) in field goals, and 29% in 3-point field goals. The Firebirds made only  56% (31-55) of their free throws, failing to take advantage of opportunities to put the Colonials on ice.