Washington, D.C. – The Roberts Wesleyan men's basketball team got off to a slow start on Wednesday night as they took on the District of Columbia, in the end losing 87-79.
 
The Redhawks fell behind by double digits early as UDC began the game on a 10-0 run. The Firebirds were able to extend the lead in the first half to as much as 17 points at the 7:11 mark. At the intermission Roberts had a deficit to overcome as they found themselves down 31-44.
 
Roberts Wesleyan outscored the Firebirds in the second half, but the deficit was too much to make up as the Redhawks picked up their eighth straight loss of the season. Roberts had a much better second half shooting as they were 19-of-37 (51.4%) from the field including five three pointers, but crucial free throws continued to cause problems. The Redhawks were just 5-of-12 (41.7%) from the charity stripe in the second half.
 
Zack Panebianco led all scorers for the Redhawks with 16 points. Manny Joseph added 14 points and seven rebounds from off the bench.
 
Roberts Wesleyan (0-8, 0-3 ECC) continue play on Saturday when they will host Molloy College for another East Coast Conference matchup. The game is slated for a 4 p.m. tipoff.