Firebirds Defeat Shepherd Rams, 76-75, for First Win of Season

Shepherdstown, WV: November 16, 2008—In an exciting, action packed game, the University of the District of Columbia Firebirds defeated the Shepherd University Rams, 76-75, to get their first win of the season in the consolation game of the Clarion Hotel Tournament in Shepherdstown, West Virginia today. Senior Kechan Myers (Philadelphia, PA) scored his second consecutive game high points (27) and 5 rebounds to lead the Firebirds to the win.

UDC opened the game with 4 quick points by junior forward David Burton (Philadelphia, PA) and led until 13:57 into the game when Tyrone Roach hit a three-pointer to knot the score at 11. After a couple of more ties the Firebirds took a 40-33 lead into the half time break.

Burton scored 20 points and collected 8 rebounds in the win, while sophomore guard Tim Ellison (Alexandria, VA) added 14 points and 3 rebounds. UDC shot 44% (16 for 36) for the first half, 40% (6 for 15) from three point range and 50% (2 for 4) from the free throw line. Shepherd‘s scoring was fairly close with 37% (11for 29) in two point field goals, 47% (7 for 15) beyond the arc and 100% (4 for 4) from the charity stripe for the half.

Burton started the scoring, again, for the Firebirds in the second half on a layup with an assist from Kechan Myers. Shepherd closed the gap and tied the score at 54 when Roach hit another 3-pointer at the 11:14 mark. Freshman forward Gani Cole gave the Firebirds the lead again on a layup with 10:20 remaining in the game. UDC retained the lead until the 4:54 mark when Jonathan Motichka tied it again for Shepherd on a three- pointer.

Freshman point guard Justin Smith (Fayetteville, GA) gave the Firebirds the lead again on a free throw at the 4:41 mark before the Rams took the lead 70-69 with 3:04 remaining in the game. The Firebirds knotted the game at 71 on a jumper by Myers. Justin Jarman gave the Rams the lead again on a layup with an assist from Tyrone Roach at the 1:19 mark.

After two free throws by Burton, UDC took a one point lead, then with 15 seconds remaining in the game, Motichka canned a free throw to tie the score at 75. Myers grabbed the brass ring when he made one of two free throws with 3 seconds remaining in the game to give the Firebirds the victory. UDC shot 42 % (27 for 65), 37% (7 for 19) three-pointers and made 65% (15 for 23) of their free throws for the game. Myers was named to the All-Tournament Team.

UDC (1-2) returns to action on November 19, at Philadelphia University in Pennsylvania.