Marable-Williams Stuffs Stat Sheet but Firebirds Comeback Falls Short in 80-86 Loss to Wildcats

NEWARK, DEL. -The University of the District of Columbia's men's basketball team fell to Wilmington (Del.) University 80-86, Wednesday evening at the WU Athletics Complex.

Jahmir Marable-Williams posted a double-double off 15 points and 10 assists, while grabbing four rebounds and three steals. Michael Aiken was the Firebirds spark plug off the bench, knocking down a game high 21 points, going 5-6 from behind the arc and 8-12 from the field. Hartnel Haye rounded out double-figure scoring for UDC adding 12 points and a team high eight rebounds. 

WU took the early lead off the tip-off, and after a few lead changes and a tie, managed to pull away with a 43-32 lead going into the half. 

After regrouping during the break, UDC outscored their opponent 48-43, with Aiken heating up behind the arc knocking down all five of his three pointers, all assisted by Marable-Willams. Aiken scored 17 of his 21 points in the second half but the Firebirds were unable to make up the deficit created in the first 20 minutes.

The home team out rebounded the visiting Firebirds 40-29. Both teams were pretty even in FG%, with UDC having the slight edge 48.5%-48.3%. UDC also dominated with points in the paint (50-36) and converted more points off turnovers (25-13). 

Next up, UDC (3-7, 1-2 ECC) will host Holy Family University, next Monday at the E.B Henderson Sports Complex Gymnasium. Tip-off is set for 1:00 PM.