Panthers Lose to Firebirds 74-50

Washington, DC- The UDC Firebirds and the Claflin Panthers met for the second time this season, in The Physical Activities Center on the Campus of the University Of The District Of Columbia.  The Firebirds won the first game 57-54 in overtime, in the HBCU Classic in Greenville, SC, on January 13^th. 

The Firebirds of UDC defeated the Panthers (8-15) 74-50. The Firebirds were led by

Charlie Smallwood with a game high 22 points, Antwon Hawkins contributed 20 points, and Willie Shaw had 14 points.

Jerome Starr and Ernest Sinkfield paced the Panthers with 12 points each.

The Panthers closed the UDC halftime lead to 3 points 43-40 at the 12 minute mark. UDC went on a 12-0 run to increase their lead to 15 points 55-40 with 9 minutes left. Karl Ray scored to stop the Firebird run to make the score 42-55. The Firebirds went on a 9-2 run to push their lead to 20 points 64-44 with 4:30 left to play. From that point the Firebirds cruised to the 74-50 victory.

The first half featured outside shooting from UDC, as they scorched the nets from three point range, shooting 55% going 5-9. CU remained close by making 5-7 free throws for 71%. UDC led at the intermission 34-26. Leading the Panthers was Jerome Starr with 11 points. The Firebirds were led by Antwon Hawkins and Charlie Smallwood with 9 points each.

The next game for the Panthers will be February 20, 2007, when both the Panthers and Pantherettes will play Stillman College, in Tuscaloosa, AL.