Thursday, May 8, 2008

Siena and UAlbany sign three-year hoops deal

Andrew Santillo
The Record

ALBANY — Siena College and the University at Albany will renew their men’s basketball on December 6, 2008 as the first part of a new three-year agreement between the institutions.

The Albany Cup, which the two Capital District teams play for, has grown into one of the most anticipated sporting events in the area since the two teams renewed their rivalry in 2001 after a 25-year hiatus.

A total of 75,830 fans have turned out for the seven meetings since the series was renewed, an average of 10,833 per game. This past season, a record number of 13,262 fans attended a 75-71 Siena win.

“We began playing this series for the community and pledged to continue playing as long as the support remained,” Siena College Director of Athletics John D’Argenio said. “The fans, especially this past season, have been tremendous, so continuing the series made sense.”

“This is a great game for the City of Albany and the surrounding area,” UAlbany head coach Will Brown said. “It only makes sense that the two Division I basketball programs in this area meet on an annual basis. I am sure that our students, fans and alumni will be excited that the series is continuing.”

The schools’ women’s basketball programs will not play next season due to scheduling conflicts, but will resume play as part of a men’s-women’s doubleheader during the 2009-10 season.

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