Spence Leads Firebirds, Harrell Posts Double-Double in Heartbreaker at Queens

Flushing, N.Y. — The University of the District of Columbia men's basketball team came up just short on Saturday afternoon, dropping an 81–79 decision to Queens College in East Coast Conference action at Fitzgerald Gymnasium.

UDC led 42–35 at halftime after shooting efficiently in the opening half, but Queens used a strong second-half push to edge the Firebirds late.

Oliver Spence paced UDC with a team-high and career-high 21 points, shooting 8-of-15 from the field while adding four rebounds, two blocks, and a steal. Michael Harrell recorded a double-double, finishing with 18 points and 11 rebounds, and contributed three steals on the defensive end.

Rejuan Gray added 14 points, eight rebounds, and six assists, while Arthur Roache chipped in 13 points, six rebounds, and three assists to round out a balanced Firebirds attack.

As a team, UDC shot 48.4 percent from the field and went 15-of-21 at the free-throw line. The Firebirds forced 15 turnovers and finished with 13 steals, keeping the game tight throughout.

Queens was led by Tahj-Malik Campbell's game-high 33 points, including 11-of-13 from the free-throw line, as the Knights closed out the contest down the stretch.

The Firebirds will return home next weekend to continue conference play, hosting Daemen on Friday before welcoming D'Youville on Sunday.