ROCHESTER, N.Y. – The Roberts Wesleyan University men's basketball team mounted a furious rally in the final eight minutes, but was unable to overtake the University of the District of Columbia at the Voller Athletic Center on Monday night.
The Redhawks (6-10, 4-4 East Coast Conference) trailed 67-52 with 7:50 to play before coming back to take a 74-73 lead on a free throw by Rian Carter with 1:13 to play. The Firebirds (6-10, 4-3 ECC) regrouped to outscore Roberts 6-1 the rest of the way and emerged with a 79-75 ECC victory.
"What we did in the last eight minutes was what we were supposed to be doing the entire game," Roberts coach Mark Saladzius said. "Unfortunately, we fell behind and it was too much to overcome."
Junior Ja'Kair Sanchez scored eight of his game-high 23 points in the final 7:31 and senior forward Nicholas Johnson capped a 21-6 run with a three-pointer that tied the game at 73 with 1:57 to play
"There's really no quit in this team," said Johnson, who finished with 16 points and nine rebounds.
Sanchez made 6 of his 7 field-goal attempts and went 10-for-11 at the free-throw line for Roberts.
Junior Abou Gbane added 10 points and freshman Ryan Hudson chipped in with eight.
Roberts took a 24-19 lead on a three-pointer by Hudson with 6:48 remaining in the first half, but UDC put together a 21-5 closing run to take a 40-29 lead at the break.
The Redhawks battled back in the second half, but the Firebirds were able to fend them off and secure the road victory.
"In conference games, you really want to get your wins at home and steal a few on the road," Saladzius said. "Tonight they came in and stole one and hopefully we can go down there (on Feb. 23) and get this one back."
The Redhawks will host the College of Staten Island in an ECC game at 4 p.m. Saturday at the Voller Athletic Center.