There was only one regional game on the Thursday schedule, and it was an ECC match-up on Long Island:
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA 80 NYIT 65
Erin Senegal erupted for 27 points on 7-11 shooting (5-7 from beyond the arc), including eight during a 15-1 game-ending run, powering District of Columbia past New York Institute of Technology in Old Westbury. Jayone Troutman tossed in 15 points while Geran Pope racked up 13 points (6-9 FG) and 16 rebounds for the Firebirds, who never trailed on the night, using a 24-6 first-half run to establish a 42-21 lead after a Senegal lay-up. The Bears battled back, however, eventually tying the contest at 58-58 on a Khalif Chaplin 3-pointer from the left-wing with 8:14 to play. A Senegal triple restored the UDC advantage but Kachi Nzerem (15 points, seven rebounds) knotted the count again with a traditional 3-point play 50 seconds later. The visitors were clinging to a 65-64 lead when the Firebirds unleashed the final flourish that included two shot clock-beating 3-point daggers, as well as a steal and slam, All from Senegal. Virgil Fleming tossed in 11 points and swiped the ball three times for UDC, which was the superior shooting club (51%-33%), especially from long range (9-22 to 5-26). Only four players reached the scoring column for NYIT but each one landed in double digits, including the three honored seniors playing their collegiate finales. Chaplin led the charge with 28 points and four steals, followed by Jerrel Green (12 points, 17 rebounds, five blocked shots) and Alonzo Paulino, Jr. (10 points, six boards in his first start of the season). The Bears – who finish an injury-plagued season with nine straight losses – won the glass, 49-40. District of Columbia is now tied for third with idle LIU Post (its next opponent right next door on Saturday), with an outside shot at earning the second-place bye.