Men's Basketball Hands # 22 UDC Its First ECC Loss Of The Season, 77-75

Bridgeport, Conn.-Junior Darian David (Bronx, N.Y.) led the University of Bridgeport men's basketball team with a game-high 24 points as the Purple Knights handed the University of the District of Columbia its first East Coast Conference loss of the season and snapped the 22nd ranked nationally Firebirds' 11-game winning streak with a 77-75 home win on Saturday afternoon. The UB men are now 10-6 overall and 5-1 in the ECC.  UDC is 13-2 overall and 4-2 in conference.

Bridgeport grabbed a 39-28 halftime lead, as the Purple Knights shot 54.8 percent from the floor (17 of 31) in the first 20 minutes and upped their lead to as many as 17 points (46-29) with 18:47 to play, but the Purple Knights had to hold on as the final buzzer sounded when senior Dante Menter (Brooklyn, N.Y.) blocked a potential game-winner three-point shot from the top of the key by UDC's David Sanders just before time expired.

David, who also had seven rebounds and five assists on the afternoon, was joined in double-figure scoring by senior William Harrison (Bronx, N.Y.) with 14 points and junior Hakeem Rodriguez (Queensbridge, N.Y.) with 10 points.

Dishawn Bradshaw led four UDC players in double figures 19 points.

The Bridgeport men will look run their winning streak four games next Saturday (January 21) when they host NYIT.  Game time is set for 3:00 p.m. in Hubbell Gym.