ROCHESTER, N.Y. – For the third straight season the Roberts Wesleyan men's basketball team has won their first-round game of the East Coast Conference Championships. The Redhawks defeated No. 5 seed the University of the District of Columbia on Wednesday night, 64-61 to advance on to the semifinals where the team will face No. 1 St. Thomas Aquinas.
 
The game-winning bucket came in style for the Redhawks as Isaiah Elmore flushed a two-hand dunk following a steal, drive and dish from Kevin Constant. The basket gave Roberts a 62-61 lead with 20 seconds to go in the game.
 
On the next possession, the Redhawks defensive pressure caused UDC guard Tevin Curtis to step into the backcourt for a violation. Malik Brooks then knocked down a pair of free throws to give Roberts a three-point lead. UDC was unable to connect on the final shot to tie the game.
 
Freshman Jermaine Taggart II came off the bench in a big way for Roberts. Taggart scored 17 points in 21 minutes of action. He also had four rebounds and two steals.
 
Constant finished with 16 points and 3 assists and Elmore had 9 points and 11 rebounds.
 
Defensively, the Redhawks forced 21 turnovers leading to 21 fast break points.
 
Roberts will travel to STAC on Saturday for the semifinal matchup. Game time is still to be determined. The live stream can be viewed on the ECC Sports Network.