Monday, January 30, 2012

UAlbany gets Rider in BracketBusters

J.S. Carras/The Record
The University at Albany learned of its ESPN BracketBusters opponent on Monday evening.

The Great Danes will get MAAC foe Rider, which just beat Siena on Sunday, 83-72. The Saints beat the Broncs earlier in the season.

The game is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 18, at 7 p.m., at SEFCU Arena.

“Facing Albany will be a real test for us,” Rider coach Tommy Dempsey told The Trentonian's Kyle Franko. “We look forward to the challenge.”

The Broncs are 6-5 at in fifth place in the MAAC, with a 9-14 record overall. They have played much better recently, as they started the season 1-11. Rider was picked fourth in the MAAC preseason poll.

It should be a good, exciting matchup as both teams can score and are pretty talented. 

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Siena loses at Rider, but sweeps MAAC awards

Jackie Schear/For The Record
Here is a link to Sunday's game story, won by Rider of Siena, filed by Kyle Franko, a writer at our sister paper, The Trentonian.

Also making news for Siena was the fact that OD Anosike was named MAAC Player of the Week, while Rob Poole was named MAAC Rookie of the Week.

Siena will take on Hofstra, of the Colonial Athletic Association, on Saturday, Feb. 18, at 4 p.m., in an ESPN BracketBusters game.

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Sunday, January 29, 2012

MAAC GAMEDAY: Siena at Rider

J.S. Carras/The Record
Below is a game capsule for Sunday's pivotal MAAC game between Siena and Rider. 

The two teams are 5-5 in the league and if Siena can win they'll earn the tiebreaker of Rider, because they beat them earlier this season. 


SIENA AT RIDER
When: Today, 2 p.m.
Where: Alumni Gymnasium (1,650), Lawrenceville, N.J. 
Radio: TALK 1300-AM (Robert Lee, Andy Grazulis)
2011-12 Records: Siena (5-5, 10-10) Rider (5-5, 8-14) 
Last Meeting: Siena 83, Rider 79 at Times Union Center, Albany, on Jan. 12, 2012 — Siena leads the all-time series 25-11
PROBABLE STARTING LINEUPS
SIENA
No., Name, Pos., Yr., Ht., Avg.
5, Evan Hymes, G, Fr., 5-8, 14.1
3, Kyle Downey, G, Sr., 6-2, 12.7
31, Owen Wignot, F, Sr., 6-6, 5.7
1, OD Anosike, F, Jr., 6-8, 15.2
0, Brandon Walters, C, Sr., 6-8, 6.1
RIDER
No., Name, Pos., Yr., Ht., Avg.     
5, Jonathon Thompson, G, Jr., 6-4, 7.0 
15, Eddie Mitchell, G, Fr., 6-0, 4.8
13, Daniel Stewart, F, So., 6-7, 12.5
23, Novar Gadson, G/F, Sr., 6-7, 9.4
31, Brandon Penn, F, Sr., 6-8, 12.6

MAAC STANDINGS
School, Conference, Overall
Iona, 8-2, 16-5
Loyola (Md), 8-2, 15-5
Manhattan, 8-2, 15-7
Fairfield, 5-4, 10-10
Rider, 5-5, 8-14
Siena, 5-5, 10-10
Niagara, 4-6, 9-13
St. Peter’s, 3-7, 4-17
Marist, 2-7, 7-13
Canisius, 1-9, 4-16
Today’s Games
Marist at Fairfield, 1 p.m.
Siena at Rider, 2 p.m.
Loyola (Md.) at Canisius, 2:15 p.m.
Manhattan at Niagara, 4 p.m.
Iona at Saint Peter’s, 4:30 p.m.

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Saturday, January 28, 2012

UAlbany steals road game at Hartford, 72-60

WEST HARTFORD, Conn. — The University at Albany men’s basketball team was down, but not out.

Late in the second half, the Great Danes trailed by four, but they went a terrific run to close out the game and take home a road victory.

UAlbany finished the game on a 16-0 run, to emerge with a 72-60 victory over Hartford, on Saturday afternoon, at Chase Family Arena.

“This was a huge win for us,” said UAlbany coach Will Brown

The Great Danes (6-3, 14-9) trailed 60-56, with five minutes to play, but that’s when the offense went into high gear, leaving the Hawks (4-5, 4-17) in the dust.  

Jayson Guerrier hit a 3-pointer to pull UAlbany within one and then Logan Aronhalt scored five straight points, to put the Danes up to stay.

“We haven’t won here in a couple years,” Brown said. “It’s a good win for us. Every contributed.”

Chase Arena is the site of this year’s America East Conference postseason tournament and the site where UAlbany lost to Stony Brook in last year’s quarterfinals.

Gerardo Suero didn’t start the game for the Great Danes, due to a thigh bruise, but the nation’s fourth leading scorer still finished with 14 points. 

Aronhalt finished with nine of the Danes’ final 13 points, finishing with a team-high 17 points for the game.

“This was a good win because Logan’s really hurting and Suero was banged up,” Brown said.

Jacob Iati hit back-to-back treys midway through the second half to give UAlbany a 51-44 lead.

“I’m happy for Jacob because nobody works harder,” Brown said.

Iati finished with eight points on 2-for-4 shooting from the field and played some big minutes, with point guard Mike Black in foul trouble. 

“I’m glad he was able to really contribute tonight,” Brown said of Iati. “He did a tremendous job.”

The victory was just the second conference road win of the season for UAlbany.

“It’s hard to win on the road in this league,” said Brown, whose team is 8-0 at home this year.

The Great Danes are now alone in fourth place, just two games out of first, with seven games remaining.

“We just have to be solid and if we’re solid we’ll be able to win games,” Brown said.

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AE GAMEDAY: UAlbany at Hartford

J.S. Carras/The Record
UAlbany hits the road on Saturday, when they take on the University of Hartford.

The Great Danes will be looking to earn their second conference road victory of the season.

UAlbany hasn't seen the results they've wanted on the road in America East play, but they're going to need to pile up so road victories if they want to stay with the top of the pack in the league.

Logan Aronhalt and Will Brown both said it was important to play well at Hartford. That's where the postseason tournament will be held and so UAlbany would like to have a good performance on that floor.



UALBANY AT HARTFORD
When: Today, 4 p.m.
Where: Chase Arena, West Hartford, CT.
Radio: WOFX 980-AM (Rodger Wyland, Zach Bye)
2011-12 Records: UAlbany (5-3, 13-9) Hartford (4-4, 4-16)
Last Meeting: UAlbany 88, Hartford 63 at SEFCU Arena, Albany on Jan. 2, 2012 — UAlbany leads the all-time series 16-10

PROBABLE STARTING LINEUPS
UALBANY
No./Name, Pos., Yr., Ht., Avg.
10, Mike Black, G, Jr., 6-0, 13.5
2, Logan Aronhalt, G, Jr., 6-3, 15.6
20, Gerardo Suero, G, Jr., 6-4, 21.5
11, Luke Devlin, F, So., 6-8, 6.6
21, Blake Metcalf, C, Jr., 6-9, 4.2
HARTFORD
No./Name, Pos., Yr., Ht., Avg.   
11, Andres Torres, G, Sr., 5-10, 11.8 
32, Clayton Brothers, G, Sr., 6-1, 3.6
15, Yolonzo Moore II, G, Fr., 6-2, 5.7 
1, Mark Nwakamma, F, Fr., 6-6, 7.5
43, Nate Sikma, F, Fr., 6-6, 8.4

AMERICA EAST STANDINGS
School, Conference, Overall
Stony Brook, 8-1, 13-7
Boston U., 7-2, 11-12
Vermont, 6-2, 12-10
UAlbany, 5-3, 13-9
Hartford, 4-4, 4-16
Maine, 3-5, 9-10
New Hampshire, 2-6, 7-12
UMBC, 2-6, 3-17
Binghamton, 0-8, 0-20
Friday’s Scores
Stony Brook 66, Boston U. 57
Today’s Games
Binghamton at Maine, 2 p.m.
UAlbany at Hartford, 4 p.m.
Sunday’s Games
New Hampshire at Vermont, 12 p.m.

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Friday, January 27, 2012

VIDEO: Logan Aronhalt talks Hartford

UAlbany junior Logan Aronhalt talks about the upcoming game against Hartford

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Siena 66, Marist 55

ALBANY - Siena led the entire way, but the victory wasn't all easy

Marist cut the lead to two, with just seven minutes to play, but the Saints had enough to pull out a 66-55 victory.

The victory was the 10th straight for Siena over Marist.

OD Anosike registered his 16th consecutive double-double, with 21 points and 12 rebounds. Rob Poole and Evan Hymes each scored 15 points for the Saints (5-5, 10-10).

The Saints shot 49 percent (24-49) 

The Red Foxes (2-7, 7-13) were led by Chavaughn Lewis, who scored 21 points off the bench.

Siena heads to Rider on Sunday, for a 2 p.m. tip.

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Siena 36, Marist 27 (half)

ALBANY - Siena has led from the start in this game.

Marist started shooting terribly from the field, but bounced back and this is a game headed to the second half. 

Rob Poole hit double figures first for Siena. He has 10 points at halftime, while OD Anosike has 13 points and five rebounds at halftime.

The Red Foxes started the game 1-for-14 from the field, but they finished the half 8-for-30 (26.7%).

Marist was led by Devin Price who has 11 points.

It should be a good second half.

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MAAC GAMEDAY: Siena vs. Marist

Mike McMahon/The Record
The Siena men's basketball team looks to get back to .500, in the conference and overall this evening.

The game is a doubleheader with the women's game against Saint Peter's and likely won't start until 7:30 p.m., or so.

This is a very important game for the Saints, to build on the momentum they gathered in the victory over Iona and to carry into Sunday's road date, against Rider.

“Marist is a team that is better than last year," said Siena coach Mitch Buonaguro.

The Saints have posted some very solid conference wins, but they know that means nothing heading into a game they are favored in.

“The thing about the MAAC, anyone can win, said freshman point guard Evan Hymes


MARIST AT SIENA
When: Tonight, 7 p.m.
Where: Times Union Center (8,444), Albany
Radio: TALK 1300-AM (Robert Lee, Tom Huerter)
2011-12 Records: Marist (2-6, 7-12) Siena (4-5, 9-10) 
Last Meeting: Siena 81, Marist 73 at Times Union Center, Albany, on Feb. 27, 2011 — Siena leads the all-time series 45-22
PROBABLE STARTING LINEUPS
MARIST
No./Name, Pos., Yr., Ht., Avg.
11, Isaiah Morton, G, Fr., 5-8, 8.4 
0, Devin Price, G, Jr., 6-1, 13.5
20, Jay Bowie, G/F, So., 6-5, 5.4 
15, Anell Alexis, G/F, So., 6-6, 5.6 
50, Adam Kemp, F, So., 6-10, 9.3 
SIENA
No./Name, Pos., Yr., Ht., Avg.   
5, Evan Hymes, G, Fr., 5-8, 14.1 
3, Kyle Downey, G, Sr., 6-2, 13.2 
31, Owen Wignot, F, Sr., 6-6, 5.6 
1, OD Anosike, F, Jr., 6-8, 14.9 
0, Brandon Walters, C, Sr., 6-8, 6.3 

MAAC STANDINGS
School, Conference, Overall
Iona, 7-2, 15-5
Loyola (Md), 7-2, 14-5
Manhattan, 7-2, 14-7
Fairfield, 5-3, 10-9
Rider, 5-5, 8-14
Siena, 4-5, 9-10
Niagara, 4-5, 9-12
St. Peter’s, 3-7, 4-17
Marist, 2-6, 7-12
Canisius, 1-8, 4-15
Thursday’s Scores
Rider 90, St. Peter’s 55
Today’s Games
Marist at Siena, 7 p.m.
Iona at Fairfield (ESPNU), 7 p.m.
Loyola (Md.) at Niagara, 7 p.m.
Manhattan at Canisius, 7:15 p.m.

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Thursday, January 26, 2012

College Hoops Chat - Jan. 26


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Jacob Iati's halftime speech get UAlbany's attention

ALBANY - By the time Will Brown got into the locker room, Wednesday evening for the halftime break, no more shouting was needed.

The University at Albany trailed winless Binghamton 33-31, but the Great Danes had already been read the riot act...from one of their own.

While Brown was in the hallway talking to his assistants, reserve guard Jacob Iati went up and down his teammates, despite the fact that he only played briefly.

“It was music to my ears," said Brown, who surely would have let his team have it, for trailing a 0-19 team at intermission.

Iati was going bonkers according to Brown, letting his teammates know that they had to turn things around in the second half.

"I don't think anybody on our team, and these guys can disagree with me if they want," Brown said, motioning to Mike Black and Gerardo Suero, "wants to win more than that kid."

Brown said that Iati will be working for him one day because he cares so much about winning and putting the team first.

"He practices like its the national title every day," Brown said. "He wants to win. He tried to help his team win with his halftime message."

Iati's teammates were fine with him taking them to task.

“He's like our rah-rah guy,” said Black. 

Iati has only played 54 minutes this season and is averaging 1.2 points per game, but his effort and heart make him a joy to have on the team.

"You can't get enough guys like that, who just want to win," Brown said.

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Wednesday, January 25, 2012

UAlbany 74, Binghamton 68

ALBANY - The University at Albany dodged a bullet on Wednesday.

The Great |Danes trailed at halftime, but surged ahead late and came out with a 74-68 victory over Binghamton at SEFCU Arena.

UAlbany (5-3, 13-9) improved to 8-0 at home and dropped Binghamton to 0-20 on the season.

Gerardo Suero scored a game-high 25 points for the Great Danes, while grabbing seven rebounds and Mike Black chipped in 19 points.

Robert Mansell led the Bearcats with 22 points and Ben Dickinson finished with 21 points and eight rebounds.

UAlbany took the lead for good, with 7:35 remaining, as Luke Devlin scored in the middle of a 10-0 run that put the Great Danes up 61-54.

The Great Danes head to Hartford on Saturday.

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Binghamton 33, UAlbany 31 (half)

ALBANY - This game is one half away from becoming a pretty big story.

Winless Binghamton leads UAlbany 33-31 at halftime.

The Great Danes really struggled shooting the ball, starting 3-for-14 from the field, while the Bearcats made six of its first 10 shots. 

Robert Mansell leads Binghamton with 11 points. The Bearcats actually had their biggest lead of the season, when they led by seven points twice in the first half.

UAlbany is led by Gerardo Suero, who has nine points, while Logan Aronahalt and Mike Black each have eight points for the Great Danes.

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AE GAMEDAY: UAlbany vs. Binghamton

Jeff Couch/The Record
The University at Albany men's basketball team returns home on Wednesday evening and they certainly were in need of a home game.

The Great Danes have lost their last two road games and are 7-0 at home this season.

Binghamton doesn't have a win yet this season. They are just one of two teams in the country that can say that (Towson is the other).

“You have to put records aside, especially in conference play," said UAlbany coach Will Brown. "A lot of it has to do with matchups.”

That said, the Great Danes should win this game and they need to start rolling up the wins because the teams at the top (Boston U., Vermont and Stony Brook) all continue to win.


BINGHAMTON AT UALBANY
When: Tonight, 7 p.m.
Where: SEFCU Arena (4,538), Albany
TV: Time Warner-3 (Rodger Wyland, John Quattrocchi)
Radio: WOFX 980-AM (Zach Bye)
2011-12 Records: Binghamton (0-7, 0-19) UAlbany (4-3, 12-9) 
Last Meeting: UAlbany 57, Binghamton 54, at Events Center, Vestal, on Feb. 20, 2011 —
UAlbany leads the all-time series 58-29
PROBABLE STARTING LINEUPS
BINGHAMTON
No./Name    Pos.,    Yr.    Ht.    Avg.
10   Mike Black     G    Jr.    6-0     13.2
2    Logan Aronhalt     G    Jr.     6-3    15.8
20    Gerardo Suero     G    Jr.    6-4     21.3
11    Luke Devlin    F    So.    6-8    6.4
21    Blake Metcalf    C     Jr.     6-9    4.2
UALBANY
No./Name    Pos.    Yr.     Ht.    Avg.     
20    Jimmy Gray     G    Jr.     6-0    6.5
2    Robert Mansell    G    So.    6-4    14.6 
3    Chris Longoria    G    Fr.    6-4    7.5 
33    Omar Richards    F    Fr.    6-8    4.0
14    Ben Dickinson    F    Fr.    6-9    12.3

AMERICA EAST STANDINGS
School    Conference    Overall
Boston U.    7-1    11-11
Stony Brook    6-1    11-7
Vermont    6-2     12-10
UAlbany    4-3     12-9
Hartford    4-3     4-15
Maine     2-5    8-10
New Hampshire    2-5    7-11
UMBC    2-6    3-17
Binghamton    0-7    0-19
Tuesday’s Scores
Boston U. 83    UMBC 48
Today’s Games
Binghamton at UAlbany     7 p.m.
Maine at New Hampshire     7 p.m.
Hartford at Stony Brook     7 p.m.

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Tuesday, January 24, 2012

UAlbany's Aronhalt deals with emotional week

Jeff Couch/The Record
ALBANY - It was only minutes after Thursday night's game at Vermont, when Logan Aronhalt was overcome with emotion.

How could he not be?

The University at Albany's junior guard had just netted his 1,000th career point and had an ankle that was swelling up after he rolled it in the second half.

On top of that, it was only hours before he would return to Ohio, for the funeral of his grandfather.

“It was definitely a tough week for me," said Aronhalt, before Tuesday's practice.

Aronhalt returned to Zanesville on Friday morning, getting there just in time for the services. 

“Outside of his dad, that was his closest relative to him," said UAlbany coach Will Brown. "He was a basketball junkie.”

Aronhalt, who has started his graduate classes at UAlbany, will be recognized for scoring his 1,000th point before Wednesday's game against Binghamton.

“Scoring 1,000 points is a tremendous honor," he said. "I’m very excited about that. I’d like to thank my teammates and my coaches. They’ve helped me tremendously through the rough times, especially  last week.”

After Aronhalt scored his milestone point, on a 3-pointer from the corner, the Vermont public address announcer made an annoucement at the next dead ball. While Vermont and UAlbany are big rivals, Aronhalt appreciated that gesture.

“I think that shows the respect that we have for each other," he said. "It seems like every time we play, it’s a battle to the end, but I think there’s a lot of respect there and that showed it.”

Aronhalt returned to campus on Sunday evening, but didn't practice Monday because of the ankle and Brown said it would likely be a game-time decision if Aronhalt would suit up.

My guess is you'll see No. 2 out there on the floor for the Great Danes.

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Coach Buonaguro defends Kyle Downey

J.S. Carras/The Record
LOUDONVILLE - Siena coach Mitch Buonaguro has gone on the defensive about senior guard Kyle Downey twice in the past 24 hours.

Downey hit two go-ahead shots in last night's 65-62 upset victory over Iona.

"I know last year, he came under a lot of unfair criticism," Buonaguro said at Monday's meeting witht he media. "He even said it to me."

Downey is averaging 13.2 points and 5.1 rebounds per game, but has still been looked at by some fans as a role player.

Last season, Downey even got booed at home on a couple of different instances.

"I can't accept that," Buonaguro said. "No one should boo Kyle Downey for what he reprsents. I don't care how bad he plays."

Buonaguro said he was passionate about defending Downey because of all the hard work he's put in.

"I come to his defense because whatever he does, good or bad, he represents was a student-athlete should represent in college," Buonaguro said. "He's a great student. He worked extremely hard in the offseason, harder than any player on the team. He backs me up for everything I do. He's a great leader. He's a great guy for me to have in the locker room. I'm going to defend him to the hill."

Downey has proven this season that he is an impact player and he has been a significant part of the Saints playing so well.

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VIDEO: Siena/Iona final play

Here is the final play of Monday's Siena and Iona game, from my view on press row.

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Monday, January 23, 2012

Poole steps up in Saints victory over Iona

ALBANY - Rob Poole stepped to the free throw line, with Siena's upset victory over Iona, hanging in the balance.

The freshman calmly knocked down four free throws in the final 2:28, as the Saints posted an improbable 65-62 win.

Poole had been struggling at the free throw line for the first half of the season, but he's made an adjustment. He's now looking at the rim, instead of following the ball towards the basket.

Poole posted some impressive numbers on Monday, finishing with 14 points, six rebounds and six assists as the Saints moved to 7-3 at home this season.

"He played like the kind of recruit that I thought he would be," said Siena coach Mitch Buonaguro. "He was a major impact player today."

Poole was very good in the second half, as he handled the ball and also was able to find his teammates. 

"The defense gave me a lot of open lanes, so I just took advantage of what they gave me," he said.

DOWNEY PLAYS BIG: Kyle Downey hasn't been practicing recently, but that hasn't stopped him from having a terrific season.

In addition to hitting the go-ahead shot and hitting a couple treys, Downey played the entire second half with three fouls.

“He's not a role player," Buonaguro said. "He's a terrific player. You know why he's a terrific player because last summer he went into the gym for three hours a day. This is why he did what he did tonight. He's been the hardest worker of any player we've had at Siena, since I've been here, in seven years.”

ANOSIKE POST ANOTHER DOUBLE-DOUBLE: OD Anosike posted his 15th consecutive double-double, with 17 points and 15 rebounds. 

He only scored one point in the final 13 minutes and yet the Saints were still able to come out with the victory. It was an incredible turnaround from losing by 36 points, just three weeks ago.

“I think this game how much better we've gotten since that game,” Anosike said. 

Anosike played the final six minutes with four fouls and still was a pest on the defensive end.

“When OD gets four fouls, he still plays aggressive and plays hard," Poole said. "Thank god for OD.”

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Siena 65, Iona 62

ALBANY - Siena faced almost as much adversity as a team can face on Monday evening.

The Saints trailed big, were in foul trouble and facing the best team in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference.

Siena has been very resilient this season, but a 65-62 victory over Iona, may signal the best performance of the year.

The Saints (4-5, 9-10) trailed 20-2 in the first five minutes and had nearly all of their seven players in big-time foul trouble, but still rallied to pull off a huge upset.

The Gaels (7-2, 15-5) shot just 29 percent (9-31) from the floor in the second half and missed all eight 3-pointers after halftime.

OD Anosike posted his 15th consecutive double-double, with 17 points and a game-high 15 rebounds, while Kyle Downey scored 16 point and Rob Poole added 14.

Iona still hasn't swept Siena since the 1996-97 season and hasn't won in Albany since the 2005-06 season.

The Gaels were led by big man Mike Glover, who finished with 19 points and 12 rebounds.

Siena hosts Marist on Friday.

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Iona 39, Siena 29 (half)

ALBANY - What a first half.

Iona came out guns blazing, scoring 20 of the game's first 22 points.

Somehow Siena withstood the blow and has rallied back to only trail by 10 at halftime. 

O.D. Anosike has 12 points and nine rebounds in the first half for the Saints, while Scott Machado and Mike Glover combined for 26 points for the Gaels.

Siena is in all sorts of foul trouble. Kyle Downey has three fouls, while Anosike, Brandon Walters and Evan Hymes all have two fouls.

Iona had two technical fouls called on them in the first half, one against Sean Armand for shoving Marcus Hopper. The other was assessed to Machado (his third foul), who wasn't even on the floor at the time.

Hopper gave Siena good minutes with all of the foul trouble, but it'll be interesting to see if Siena can stand in and fight or will slowly fade like they have in games past, due to fatigue.

This should be a good finish.

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MAAC GAMEDAY: Siena vs. Iona

J.S. Carras/The Record
Iona comes into Albany tonight, bringing with them the bulls-eye of being the conference's top team and also having an offense that can simply obliterate the opponent.

Siena found that out last time these two teams played. The result was a 95-59 loss at Madison Square Garden.

The Gaels are coming in off a equally impressive 91-71 demolishing of Rider.

Iona hasn't won in Albany since the 2005-06 season. Since 2000, Siena is 10-1 against Iona in Albany and the Gaels haven't swept the season series from the Saints since the 1996-97 season.

The Saints have also won 10 of the last 12 meetings between these two schools, including last year's 73-67 victory at home. The Gaels won the next two meetings though, including a 30-point drubbing in the MAAC quarterfinals.

OD Anosike is still the nation's leading rebounder and he has a streak of 14 consecutive double-doubles. In fact, Anosike has had double-digits in rebounding in all but one game this season, when he finished with nine (Nov. 23 vs. Georgia Tech).

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Friday, January 20, 2012

VIDEOS: Siena stumbles at Loyola

Here are two videos from the Siena Athletic Department, from last night's xx-xx loss, at Loyola (Md.)

Here is a link to our story, from stringer Harvey Valentine.



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Thursday, January 19, 2012

Vermont tops UAlbany 73-69

BURLINGTON, Vt. — The University at Albany has had a difficult time in road games.

The Great Danes played well enough to win on Thursday evening, but too many turnovers cost them a crucial America East game.

UAlbany turned the ball over 18 times, three coming in the final 90 seconds, as Vermont held on for a 73-69 victory at Patrick Gymnasium.

The Great Danes (4-3, 12-9) trailed just 68-67, following two free throws, with 1:47 remaining, but turned the ball over on three of their final five possessions. 

“Too anxious,” said UAlbany coach Will Brown. “That was our problem in the first half.”

The Catamounts (5-2, 11-10) were unable to pull away in the first half, but held the lead, due in part to 13 Great Danes turnovers.

Logan Aronhalt, who came into the game just three points shy of 1,000 points for his career, didn’t score in the first half.

In the second half, Aronhalt finished with 12 points and nearly brought the team back on his own.

He cracked the 1,000-point plateau on a 3-pointer, from the corner, midway through the second half.

Later, he hit another trey to put UAlbany up 67-66, with less than four minutes to play.

“I’m just happy that Logan’s had a chance to play the past two games, with what he’s been dealing with,” Brown said.

Aronhalt will return home to Ohio, on Friday, to be with his family after the passing of his grandfather.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family,” Brown said.

Following two Great Danes turnovers, Matt Glass canned a 3-pointer, with 31 seconds to play, putting Vermont up 71-67.

“I don’t know how we lost Glass on that three,” Brown said.

Gerardo Suero led the way for UAlbany, with 16 points, while Glass added 16 for Vermont.

The Great Danes dropped to 1-3, on the road, in America East Conference play and slides back into fifth place with their second straight defeat.

“We’ve lost three road games to teams in the league that I think are pretty good,” Brown said.

UAlbany has a week off before hosting Binghamton, on Wednesday, Jan. 25, at SEFCU Arena. 

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College Hoops Chat - Jan. 19

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MAAC GAMEDAY: Siena at Loyola (Md.)

J.S. Carras/The Record
Siena coach Mitch Buonaguro worried about two things earlier this week - a lack of bodies and fullcourt pressure defense.

Buonaguro has wondered (aloud) a couple times this season why opposing teams aren't pressing them. On Saturday, Manhattan pressed them and the result was not good for Siena.

This game also does not play into the Saints' favor because Loyola likes to get up and down and plays a lot of different players.

On the road, this is not a good matchup for Siena and if they are able to pick up a win, it would be huge, with Iona waiting in the wings.

For the first time since the start of the season, OD Anosike is now the leading scorer, surpassing freshman Evan Hymes.

Anosike still has a streak of 13 straight double-doubles, which he will look to build on.

SIENA AT LOYOLA (MD)
When: Tonight, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Reitz Arena (2,100) Baltimore, Md. 
Radio: TALK — AM 1300 (Robert Lee, Tom Huerter)
2011-12 Records: Siena (3-4, 8-9) Loyola (5-2, 12-5)
Last Meeting: Loyola 76, Siena 69, at Times Union Center, Albany, Feb. 7, 2011 — Siena leads the all-time series 37-15
PROBABLE STARTING LINEUPS
SIENA
No.    Name    Pos.    Yr.    Ht.    Ppg.
5    Evan Hymes    G    Fr.    5-8     14.7
3    Kyle Downey    G    Sr.    6-2    12.9
31    Owen Wignot    F    Sr.    6-6     5.3
1    OD Anosike    F    Jr.    6-8    14.8
0    Brandon Walters    F    Sr.    6-8     6.4
LOYOLA (MD)
No.    Name    Pos.    Yr.    Ht.    Ppg.
12    R.J. Williams    G    Fr.    5-8    3.9
3    Dylon Cormier    G    So.    6-2    15.5 
25    Robert Olson    G    Jr.    6-4    10.4
24    Erik Etherly    F    Jr.    6-7     12.2
5    Shane Walker    F    Sr.    6-10     9.5 
MAAC STANDINGS
School    Conference    Overall
Iona    6-1    14-4
Loyola (Md.)    5-2    12-5
Manhattan    5-2     12-7
Fairfield     4-3    9-9
Siena     3-4    8-9
Niagara    3-4    8-11
Rider     3-4    6-13
St. Peter’s    3-4    4-14
Marist    2-5    7-11
Canisius    1-6    4-13
Today’s Schedule
Fairfield at St. Peter’s    7 p.m.
Siena at Loyola (Md.)     7:30 p.m.
Niagara at Canisius     8:30 p.m.
Friday’s Schedule
Manhattan at Marist, 9 p.m.
Rider at Iona (ESPNU), 10 p.m.

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AE GAMEDAY: UAlbany at Vermont

J.S. Carras/The Record
This is a huge game for the University at Albany.

The Great Danes have so far played the tougher league teams on the road (Stony Brook, Boston U., Vermont) and some easier teams (New Hampshire, Hartford) at home.

Coming off a loss and heading into Patrick Gym, this will show a lot of what this team is made of.

This is also the first time this season where we have to wonder about Gerardo Suero. UAlbany's leading scorer struggled in the last game and he'll be needed to have a decent night for sure, if the Great Danes hope to win.

The Catamounts are playing much better. They are very balanced under first-year head coach John Becker, who was an assistant under departed coach Mike Lonergan.

Vermont has the reigning Rookie of the Year (Brian Voelkel) and a strong candidate for this season, in leading scorer Four McGlynn.

UALBANY AT VERMONT
When: Tonight, 7 p.m.
Where: Patrick Gymnasium (3,266), Burlington, Vt. . 
Radio: WOFX 980-AM (Rodger Wyland, Zach Bye)
2011-12 Records: UAlbany (4-2, 12-8) Vermont (4-2, 10-10)
Last Meeting: Vermont 63, UAlbany 54, at SEFCU Arena, Albany, Jan. 29, 2011 — Vermont leads the all-time series 21-8
PROBABLE STARTING LINEUPS
UALBANY
No.    Name    Pos.    Yr.    Ht.    Ppg.
10    Mike Black     G     Jr.     6-0    13.2
2    Logan Aronhalt    G     Jr.    6-3    16.0
20    Gerardo Suero     G    Jr.    6-4     21.6
11    Luke Devlin    F     So.    6-8    6.2
21     Blake Metcalf     C     Jr.     6-9    4.0
VERMONT
No.    Name    Pos.    Yr.    Ht.    Ppg.
12    Sandro Carissimo    G    So.    6-2    6.0
20    Brendan Bald     G     Jr.    6-5    8.1
23    Brian Voelkel    F    So.    6-6     5.1
34    Matt Glass    F    Sr.    6-8    10.6
42    Ben Crenca    F    Jr.    6-10     5.5

AMERICA EAST STANDINGS
School     Conference    Overall
Stony Brook    5-1    10-7
Boston U.    4-1     8-11
UAlbany    4-2    12-8
Vermont    4-2    10-10
Hartford    3-2    3-14
Maine    2-3    8-8
New Hampshire    1-4    6-10
UMBC    1-4    2-15
Binghamton    0-5     0-17
Today’s Schedule
UAlbany at Vermont    7 p.m.
Boston U. at New Hampshire    7 p.m.
Hartford at Maine     7 p.m.
Binghamton at UMBC    7 p.m.

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Wednesday, January 18, 2012

VIDEOS: UAlbany preps for Vermont

Sophomore Luke Devlin talks about the upcoming game against Vermont, and the team's most recent loss at Boston University.





Coach Will Brown talks about his decision to keep Gerardo Suero from talking to the media, which he went on to change his mind about.

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Monday, January 16, 2012

AE GAMEDAY: UAlbany at Boston U.

J.S. Carras/The Record
The University at Albany hits the small screen tonight, when they travel to Boston, to takes on the Terriers.

Here is a link to the game advance that ran in Monday's paper.

The game will be televised on CBS College Sports. That can be seen on Time Warner channel 1878 (HD). It is also available on the Dish and Verizon, I'm just not sure what the channel is.

It should be a good game, as both teams have just one league loss.

The key for the Great Danes will be carrying their great play over to the road.

Boston University have a terrific scorer, in senior Darryl Partin. UAlbany did a good job on the last 20-point scorer they saw, Maine's Gerald McLemore.

Will Brown said his team likes to hear that they are playing for first place. Now, let's see if they go out and play like a first place club.


UALBANY AT BOSTON UNIVERSITY
Where: Agganis Arena, (7,200), Boston
When: Tonight, 7 p.m.
TV: CBS College Sports (Don Criqui, Wally Szczerbiak)
Radio: WOFX – 980-AM (Rodger Wyland, Zach Bye)
Last Meeting: Boston U. 63, UAlbany 44, at Madison Square Garden, New York, on Feb. 10, 2011 – Boston U. leads the all-time series 14-8
Records: UAlbany (4-1, 12-7) Boston U. (3-1, 7-11)
Probable Starters
No, Player, Pos., Yr., Ht., Ppg
BOSTON U.
13, D. J. Irving, G, So., 6-0, 12.1
1, Darryl Partin, G, Sr., 6-6, 20.1
24, Travis Robinson, F, So., 6-5, 5.1
25, Patrick Hazel, F, Sr., 6-6, 7.2
15, Dom Morris, F, So., 6-7, 6.7
UALBANY
10, Mike Black, G, Jr., 6-0, 13.2
2, Logan Aronhalt, G, Jr., 6-2, 15.8
20, Gerardo Suero, G, Jr., 6-4, 22.4
11, Luke Devlin, F, So., 6-8, 6.5
21, Blake Metcalf, F, Jr., 6-9, 4.2

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Saturday, January 14, 2012

VIDEO: Last play UAlbany/Maine

This is the final play of Saturday's game.

You decide if it's a foul on UAlbany's Mike Black or Maine's Gerald McLemore. None was called and the Great Danes hung on for a 76-75 victory.

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UAlbany 76, Maine 75

ALBANY - UAlbany and Maine played a terrific America East Conference basketball game on Saturday evening.

The Great Danes had just enough, surviving 76-75, to move into a first place tie with Stony Brook.

The Black Bears had the ball for the final 17.1 seconds, but couldn't get a shot, as Gerald McLemore fell down as time expired.

The victory moves UAlbany into a tie for first place, with Stony Brook, at 4-1. 

Gerardo Suero scored a game-high 26 points for the Great Danes (4-1, 12-7), but was just 6-for-16 from the floor. Mike Black added 15 and Luke Devlin chipped in 13 points.

Justin Edwards led the Black Bears (2-2, 8-7) with 19 points, while McLemore added 17.

UAlbany takes on Boston University on Monday, in a game that can be seen on CBS College Sports, at 7 p.m.

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UAlbany 38, Maine 37 (half)

ALBANY - A very entertaining first half.

Both Maine and the University at Albany can score the ball and that was evident in the first 20 minutes.

The biggest lead was build early, as the Great Danes went up 13-4.

For the second part of the half, it was back and forth.

UAlbany was led by Gerardo Suero, who scored nine points. The Great Danes didn't have Logan Aronhalt for the later stages of the half, as he picked up his second foul.  Luke Devlin chipped in seven points for UAlbany.

There were a lot of fouls called in the first half, 22 to be exact.

Maine big man Alasdair Fraser sat for nearly 13 minutes after picked up his third foul. I like Justin Edwards so far. He's shown he's very capable of scoring the ball, finishing the half with nine points. Senior Gerald McLemore lead the Black Bears with 10 points.

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AE GAMEDAY: UAlbany vs. Maine

J.S. Carras/The Record
UAlbany gets its chance for a signature conference victory, early in the America East season.

The Great Danes have done what they've had to through the first four games, but with this being a home game and a team near the top of the standings, UAlbany has to take care of business.

The Great Danes are a perfect 6-0 at home and have been scoring the basketball in bunches since league play started.

Following Friday's practice, leading scorer Gerardo Suero talked at length about his continuing maturity as the defensive end of the floor.

“I’ve been playing hard on ‘D’ the whole week because I want to get better," he said. "I’m going to get used to it, so I won’t be tired.”

Suero was exhausted following Wednesday's game against New Hampshire, but says he feels better now.

Suero entered the day on Friday, the No. 4 scorer in the country and he's been to go-to guy for the Great Danes since his first game in a UAlbany jersey.

“There hasn’t been a player like him in this league, probably since I’ve been in the league, with the combination of size and slashing ability," said UAlbany coach Will Brown. "Jamar (Wilson) was tremendous, but this kid is just different. He’s just so big, long, quick, explosive, dynamic and he’s still learning.”

That's high praise from Brown because Wilson is the all-time leading scorer in school history and Brown has been coaching in the league for more than a decade.

Brown said Friday that he's been a little surprised in the consistency that Suero has provided this season, especially in his first year of Division I basketball. 

 “As much as he can be frustrating at times, he’s been a joy to work with and a joy to coach,” Brown said.

Here is the current standings in the America East.

School, Conference, Overall
Stony Brook, 4-0, 9-6
UAlbany, 3-1, 11-7
Vermont 3-1, 9-9
Maine, 2-1, 8-6
Boston U., 2-1, 6-11
Hartford, 1-2, 1-14
UMBC, 1-3, 2-14
New Hampshire, 0-3, 5-9
Binghamton, 0-4, 0-16

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MAAC GAMEDAY: Siena at Manhattan

J.S. Carras/The Record
As Siena continued to pile up victories at home, they've climbed the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference standings.

The Saints enter Saturday's in a tie for fifth place and riding a three-game conference winning streak.

They'll have their hands full tonight, with a Manhattan team that just handed Iona its first conference loss of the year.

With a quick turnaround for both teams, I'd expect it will be a close game and the team that with the most energy will come out with a victory.

Junior forward OD Anosike entered Friday as the nation's leading rebounder and his streak of 12 consecutive double-doubles is the longest MAAC run since Fairfield's Darren Phillip ended the 1999-2000 season with 19 straight double-doubles.


SIENA AT MANHATTAN
When: Tonight, 7 p.m.
Where: Draddy Gym (2.500), Riverdale
Radio: TALK — AM 1300 (Robert Lee, Tom Huerter)
2011-12 Records: Siena (3-3, 8-8) Manhattan (4-2, 11-7)
Last Meeting: Siena 68, Manhattan 66, OT, at Arena at Harbor Yard, Bridgeport, Conn., in MAAC Tournament, on March 5, 2011 — Manhattan leads the all-time series 46-36
PROBABLE STARTING LINEUPS
SIENA
No, Name, Pos., Yr., Ht., Ppg.
5, Evan Hymes, G, Fr., 5-8, 15.3
3, Kyle Downey, G, Sr., 6-2, 13.3
31, Owen Wignot, F, Sr., 6-6, 5.1
1, OD Anosike, F, Jr., 6-8, 14.7
0, Brandon Walters, C, Sr., 6-8, 6.1 
MANHATTAN
No, Name, Pos., Yr., Ht., Ppg.
31, Michael Alvarado, G, So., 6-2, 7.8 
5, Mohamed Koita, G, Jr., 6-4, 2.2 
24, George Beamon, G/F, Jr., 6-4, 16.7 
13, Emmy Andujar, F, Fr., 6-5, 9.2 
22, Roberto Colonette, F, Sr., 6-7, 6.1

MAAC STANDINGS
Team, Conference, Overall
Iona, 5-1, 13-4
Loyola (MD), 5-1, 12-4
Manhattan, 4-2, 11-7
Siena, 3-3, 8-8
Fairfield, 3-3, 8-9
Rider, 3-3, 6-12
Marist, 2-4, 7-10
Niagara, 2-4, 7-11
St. Peter’s, 2-4, 3-14
Canisius, 1-5, 4-12
Friday’s Games
Canisius 67, Marist 57
Niagara 85, St. Peter's 73
Loyola (MD) 66, Fairfield 63
Today’s Games
Siena at Manhattan, 7 p.m.

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Friday, January 13, 2012

Brandon Walters pitching in for Saints

Siena Athletics
ALBANY - There have been a few constants this season for Siena.

When the Saints play well, it's likely that senior Brandon Walters is doing the same.

Walters had a career night on Thursday, posting 14 points and 12 rebounds in the 83-79 victory over Rider.

Siena jumped all over Rider early and led by as many as 21 points in the first half.

“We just came out and played harder," Walters said. "Our team chemistry has been very good and we're just trying to build on that.”

Walters has averaged 7.4 points and 7.3 rebounds per game in Siena's eight victories. He has also posted his only three career double-doubles (Rider, UAlbany. Mount St. Mary's) in wins. 

In the Saints eight losses, Walters is averaging just 4.9 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. 

“I've had an up and down season," he said. "But the coaching staff still has confidence in me.”

Walters bounced back from one of his worst games of the year, in the victory over Niagara, where he scored zero points and grabbed just two rebounds. 

“OD (Anosike) played a pheonmenal game," Walters said of his frontcourt mate. "So it took a lot of pressure off me.”
 
Walters and OD Anosike really give Siena a nice 1-2 punch down low, especially for a mid-major school.

Walters scored four of the Saints' final 11 points, running a fast break and putting back a miss and then calmly knocking down two free throws in the final moments, to help seal the victory.

Thursday's victory also got Siena back to .500 in both the MAAC (3-3) and overall (8-8). 

“We've been trying to get to .500," Walters said. "And we did it tonight.”

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Thursday, January 12, 2012

Siena 83, Rider 79

ALBANY - The Siena men's basketball team is back to .500

The Saints have won five of their past six games, maybe the best win coming Thursday evening, posting an 83-79 victory over Rider.

OD Anosike posted his 12th consecutive double-double, finishing with 23 points and 14 rebounds, while Brandon Walters set a career-high in points (14) and matched a career-high in rebounds (12).

Siena (3-3, 8-8) also got 20 points from Evan Hymes.

The Saints led by 22 points, with 12 minuets to play, but the Broncs (3-3, 6-12) came storming back.

Rider was led by Jeff Jones, who scored 17 points off the bench. Jones was one of five Broncs in double figures.

The Broncs finished the game on a 19-9 run, after senior Kyle Downey fouled out for Siena.

The Saints head out on the road to take on Manhattan, on Saturday.

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Siena 47, Rider 33 (half)

ALBANY - Siena couldn't have played a much better first half than they did on Thursday evening.

The Saints led by as many as 21 points, going up 47-26 after a layup from Brandon Walters.

Rider finished the half on a 7-0 run, to get back into things.

The Saints were led by OD Anosike, who finished the first half with 15 points and eight rebounds. The junior is well on the way to a 12th consecutive double-double. Evan Hymes added 11.

The Saints have such a big lead, in part, because they are attacking the Broncs zone. Meanwhile, Rider has been very passive against Siena's zone.The Broncs are shooting 5-for-14 from beyond the arc.

Siena is outrebounding Rider big and already has 10 offensive rebounds. Brandon Walters is playing very well for the Saints,.

Rider was led in the first half by Novar Gadson, who has eight points.

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MAAC GAMEDAY: Siena vs. Rider

Siena suddenly finds itself right in the middle of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference standings.

Six of the MAAC's 10 teams are either 3-2 or 2-3, after five league games and two of those teams meet tonight in downtown Albany.

It's a critical game, as both the Broncs and the Saints have been playing much better of late and one team will continue that with a win.

Here is a link to the game advance that appears in Thursday's print edition.

Below, junior forward OD Anosike talks about the game, before Wednesday's practice at the ARC.

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Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Danes cruise despite "off" night from Suero

J.S. Carras/The Record
ALBANY - Gerardo Suero hadn't scored less than 20 points in more than a month.

The University at Albany junior guard, who entered Wednesday's game fourth in the country in scoring (22.5 ppg), struggled by his standards, but the Great Danes still had a powerful offensive night, in the 86-63 victory over New Hampshire.

UAlbany was just 1-3, when Suero was held to less than 20 points coming into the game, but they got a very balanced effort on this night.

The last time Suero was held under 20, was in the 64-60 loss to Siena, back on Dec. 5. 

Coach Will Brown had his guys practicing hard the past two days, coming off the loss to Stony Brook and Suero was visibly tired on the floor, with his hands on his knees, even in the first half. 

He shot just 4-for-10 from the field in the first half and finished 6-for-17.

When Brown took him out of the game, in the waning minutes, he said to his star that he looked lethargic. 

"I was exhausted from the past two days" was Suero's response.

Suero was the only UAlbany player who played more than 30 minutes --31 to be exact -- in part because his family was at the game. It's only the fifth game his mother, brother and sister -- all native of the Dominican Republic -- have been able to see this season. 

"I kept him in there a little too long," Brown said. 

If UAlbany can beat any team by 23 with Suero having an "off" night, watch out.

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UAlbany 86, New Hampshire 63

ALBANY - The University at Albany men's basketball team came out looking to avenge their first league loss of the season.

The Great Danes bounced back from the loss at Stony Brook, with a convincing 86-63 victory on Wednesday evening.

Mike Black led the way, scoring 17 points and grabbing a career-high nine rebounds. Logan Aronhalt added a game-high 21 points and Gerardo Suero finished with 17 points. 

The Great Danes (3-1, 11-7) led by as many as 32 points, 59-27, in the second half.

The Wildcats (0-3, 5-9) made a couple of runs, but couldn't trim the lead to less than 17.

Patrick Konan led New Hampshire with 13 points, while Brian Benson added 12 points and grabbed eight rebounds. 

UAlbany had 19 assists for the game, getting five from Ralph Watts and four apiece from Black and Suero.

The Great Danes are back in action on Saturday night, when they host Maine, at 7 p.m.

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UAlbany 39, New Hampshire 20 (half)

ALBANY - The University at Albany played a solid first half on Wednesday night and it looked even better thanks to a poor half by New Hampshire.

The Great Danes scored 15 of the the game's first 20 points, to quickly take a double-digit lead.

Gerardo Suero leads the way for UAlbany, with 11 points, but he didn't have his typical dominant half.  He shot just 4-for-10 from the field.

The Great Danes were very balanced offensively, getting six points from Logan Aronhalt, Mike Black and Blake Metcalf. John Puk added five points for UAlbany. Black already has a career-high with seven rebounds and UAlbany leads on the glass, 27-15

New Hampshire shot just 6-for-24 (25%) from the field and Chris Matagrano led the Wildcats with six points off the bench.

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AE GAMEDAY: UAlbany vs. New Hampshire

AP
UAlbany's loss to Stony Brook on Sunday means the Great Danes won't run the table in America East Conference play.

However, the loss doesn't mark the end of the word for UAlbany, but they have to avoid any losing streaks, when they take on New Hampshire, on Wednesday evening, at SEFCU Arena.

Gerardo Suero was named America East player of the week, on Monday, for the fourth time this season. Suero entered Tuesday, the fourth highest scorer in the country, at 22.5 points per game.

New Hampshire is 1-5 on the road this season and the Wildcats have lost four of their past five games. Alvin Abreu, who missed all but two games last season, due to a knee injury, is the team's leading scorer.

Here are the standings in the America East.
Team, Conference, Overall
Stony Brook, 3-0, 8-6
Maine 2-0, 8-5
UAlbany, 2-1, 10-7
Vermont, 2-1, 8-9
Boston U., 1-1, 5-11
UMBC, 1-2, 2-12
Hartford, 1-2, 1-14
New Hampshire, 0-2, 5-8
Binghamton, 0-3, 0-15

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Sunday, January 8, 2012

O.D. Anosike wants in to Team Rebound Supreme

J.S. Carras/The Record
ALBANY - OD Anosike broke a school record of a former teammate on Sunday.

He's hoping that will gain him entrance into an exclusive club - Team Rebound Supreme.

The brainchild of Alex Franklin and Ryan Rossiter, whose record of 10 straight double-doubles, was snapped by Anosike on Sunday, Team Rebound Supreme began during the 2009-10 season. Franklin and Rossiter started as a friendly competition to see who would grab more rebounds.

Anosike wants in.

“I've been trying to get in for a while now,” said Anosike, following Siena's 72-60 victory over Niagara in downtown Albany.

After acknowledging that his acceptance was up to Franklin and Rossiter -- two of the top rebounders ever to play for the Saints -- Anosike fired off some friendly shots to his former teammates.

First he this to say about snapping Rossiter's school record for consecutive double-doubles. 

“I'm sure Ryan is feeling a little bitter over in France, about me breaking his record.”

Then, he had this to say about Franklin.

“I think Alex doesn't realize that I average more rebounds than he did. In some ways, I want to kick him out of Team Rebound Supreme.”

In the end, there may still only be two members of Team Rebound Supreme, but Anosike is currently the nation's leading rebounder, at 12.4 rebounds per game. 

“Obviously, he is an outstanding player," said Siena coach Mitch Buonaguro. "We have geared a lot of our stuff around him.”

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Siena 72, Niagara 60

ALBANY - The Siena Saints are rolling.

The Saints picked up their second straight Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference victory, defeating Niagara 72-60, on Sunday afternoon.

OD Anosike scored a career-high 27 points and grabbed 14 rebounds, posting a school-record 11th straight double-double. 

Kyle Downey added 18 points and Evan Hymes finished with 13 for the Saints (2-3, 7-8).

Antoine Mason scored a team-high 15 points for the Purple Eagles (1-4, 6-11).

Siena pulled away at the end, taking the lead for good, when Anosike scored to put the Saints up 44-42.

Siena is off until Thursday, when the host Rider.

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Siena 31, Niagara 28 (half)

ALBANY - Siena started slow, very slow, but they have the lead at halftime.

The Saints opened the game shooting 1-for-7 from the field, but finished the first half strong.

The Purple Eagles jumped out to a double-digit lead, 18-8, after the first 10 minutes.

Siena had a difficult time getting good looks against Niagara zones, but eventually they starting hitting some shots.

The Saints shot just 4-for-14 from beyond the arc, but they hit some big ones, especially two by Kyle Downey, off inbounds plays.

OD Anosike is comfortably on the way to his 11th consecutive double-double, posting 12 points and seven rebounds in the first half.

Antoine Mason, son of former New York Knicks forward Anthony Mason, leads Niagara with eight points.

The fact that Siena leads, despite leading scorer Evan Hymes having just two points, is a good sign.

In case you haven't heard or seen, Siena is not showing the New York Giants NFC Wild Card game, due to an NFL decision.

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MAAC GAMEDAY: Siena vs. Niagara

J.S. Carras/The Record
Siena looks to turn one conference win into two on Sunday,

They will be playing underneath the New York Giants NFL Wild Card game, so to speak. The arena will broadcast the game on the video scoreboard, while the Siena game is going on.

The Saints starters lead the country in minutes played, but Niagara freshman Juan'ya Green plays the most minutes of any freshman, 37.1 per game.

Former New York Knicks forward Anthony Mason's son, Antoine, is the second leading scorer for the Purple Eagles. Mason is a red-shirt freshman, who had three big games last season and then was sidelined for the season, with a foot injury. 

The Saints look to be the favorite, on paper, but very little has gone true to form this season for Siena.

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AE GAMEDAY: UAlbany at Stony Brook

AP
This is a battle to go to 3-0 in the America East and should be a good game, down on Long Island.

UAlbany's offense will be tested today by a tough and tall front line for Stony Brook.

The Great Danes are coming off of back-to-back season-high scoring efforts, in their two conference games. They scored 88 points against Hartford and bounced back with 89 points against UMBC.

If UAlbany scores 80+ points again, I think they will be in good shape.

Gerardo Suero was just named Mid-Major player of the week, by NBAdraft.net. Suero is fourth in the country in scoring, averaging 22.1 points per game.

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Friday, January 6, 2012

Siena 73, Fairfield 60

ALBANY - What a difference three days makes.

Siena was thumped just a few days ago, against Iona. On Friday, the Saints turned around and played their best conference game of the year, handing Fairfield its first Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference loss of the season, 73-60.

Five Siena (1-3, 6-8) players scored in double figures, with senior Kyle Downey leading the way with 19 points.

Fairfield (3-1, 8-7) was led by guard Desmond Wade, who finished with a game-high 27 points and finished with seven 3-pointers.

The Saints shot 63 percent (26-41) from the field and 61 percent (8-13) from beyond the arc.

Siena plays Niagara on Sunday, in Albany, at 1 p.m.

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Siena 32, Fairfield 30 (half)

ALBANY - Siena is playing much better than they did on Tuesday evening. If they keep it up, they might be able to hand Fairfield its first conference loss of the season. 

Kyle Downey scored a team-high 12 points for the Saints, who shot 6-for-9 from beyond the arc in the first 20 minutes and 62 percent (13-21) from the field.

Brandon Walters and Rob Poole each added six points in the first half for Siena. 

Farifield made eight 3-pointers in the first half, while making only two 2-point field goals.

Desmond Wade lead the Stags with 16 points and he hit four of Fairfield's eight 3-pointers.

Both Rakim Sanders and Derek Needham were held scoreless in the first half.

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MAAC GAMEDAY: Siena vs. Fairfield

Siena senior Kyle Downey used the words bottom of the barrel, before Thursday's practice. 

The Saints are in last, thanks to a Canisius loss on Thursday evening, but they are alone with the Griffs as the only Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference teams still without a win.

They'll get another crack at it tonight, when they host Fairfield.

If the Saints lose, it'll only be the second time in school history that Siena started the MAAC season at 0-4, since joining the league in 1989-90 season. 

The schedule makers were not kind to Siena this season, as the Saints have played the top 3 team from the preseason poll, in the first four games.

If Siena doesn't win tonight, Sunday's game against Niagara will almost be a must-win, in hopes of avoiding what would be an 0-5 start to the league season.


FAIRFIELD AT SIENA
When: Tonight, 7 p.m.
Where: Times Union Center (8,444), Albany 
TV: Time Warner-3 (Robert Lee, Tom Huerter, Marisa Jacques)
Radio: TALK 1300-AM (Andrew Catalon, Andy Grazulis)
2011-12 Records: Fairfield (3-0, 8-6) Siena (0-3, 5-8)
Last Meeting: Fairfield 68, Siena 55 at Arena at Harbor Yard, Bridgeport, Conn., on Feb. 25, 2011 — Siena leads the all-time series 30-25
PROBABLE STARTING LINEUPS
FAIRFIELD
No., Name, Pos., Yr., Ht., Ppg.
11, Desmond Wade, G, Jr., 5-8, 3.6
3, Derek Needham, G, Jr., 5-11, 12.1
21, Rakim Sanders, G/F, Sr., 6-5, 16.9
15, Maurice Barrow, F, So., 6-5, 9.0
34, Ryan Olander, C, Sr., 7-0, 11.4
SIENA
No., Name, Pos., Yr., Ht., Ppg.
5, Evan Hymes, G, Fr., 5-8, 15.5
3, Kyle Downey, G, Sr., 6-2, 12.7
31, Owen Wignot, F, Sr., 6-6, 4.0 
1, OD Anosike, F, Jr., 6-8, 13.2
0, Brandon Walters, C, Sr., 6-8, 6.0

MAAC STANDINGS
Team, Conference, Overall
Iona 3-0, 11-3
Fairfield, 3-0, 8-6
Loyola (Md), 3-1, 10-4
Marist, 2-1, 7-7
Manhattan, 2-2, 9-7
St. Peter’s, 2-2, 3-12
Niagara, 1-2, 6-9
Rider, 1-2, 4-11
Siena, 0-3, 5-8
Canisius, 0-4, 3-11
Thursday’s Scores
St. Peter’s 65, Canisius 61
Loyola (Md.) 61, Manhattan 60
Today’s Schedule
Fairfield at Siena, 7 p.m.
Marist at Rider, 7 p.m.
Niagara at Iona (ESPNU), 9 p.m.

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Thursday, January 5, 2012

UAlbany offense erupts in 89-72 win over UMBC

BALTIMORE, Md. — The University at Albany men’s basketball team has shown the ability to score the ball this season.

For the second straight game, the Great Danes set a season-high in points, defeating the University of Maryland-Baltimore Country 89-72 on Thursday evening.

The victory puts UAlbany (10-6) at 2-0 in America East Conference play for the first time since the 2005-06 season, when the team earned their first trip to the NCAA tournament.

“This was a big one to get,” said UAlbany coach Will Brown. “I’m proud of our guys.”

The Great Danes, won their 10th game last year on Jan. 20, when they were 10-12 overall.

“We just did a good job overall,” Brown said. “A lot of guys contributed.”

Leading the way, as has been for most of the year, was the trio of Logan Aronhalt, Gerardo Suero and Mike Black.

The three juniors all scored 22 points to lead the Great Danes offense.

Early in the game, though, it didn’t look good.

UMBC (1-1, 2-12) jumped out to a 10-0 lead through the first five minutes.

“When it rains, it pours,” Brown said. “They were coming off a big win versus New Hampshire.”

UAlbany quickly turned things around though and after falling behind by 14, 23-9, ended the half on a 42-17 run to take a 51-40 lead into the break.

The Great Danes did a lot of their damage at the free throw line, finishing 30-for-40 (75%) from the stripe.

“We’re at our best when we’re attacking the basket,” Brown said.

Chase Plummer scored a game-high 25 points for the Retrievers. 

“Plummer’s good,” Brown said. “He shot the lights out tonight.”

Luke Devlin added 10 points for the Great Danes, which improved to 8-1, when they score more than 75 points this season.

“We can score,” Brown said. “Especially, when we share the basketball.”

UAlbany travels to Stony Brook on Sunday, in what will be an early season matchup of the only 2-0 teams in the league.

“We have a big one on Sunday, against Stony Brook,” Brown said.

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College Hoops Chat - Jan. 5


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Siena's Rakeem Brookins back on the court

J.S. Carras/The Record
LOUDONVILLE - For all of the bad news Siena fans have received this season, it's possible the new year has brought something positive the Saints' way.

Sophomore Rakeem Brookins was back on the practice floor on Thursday, not ready for live action, but dribbling and shooting.

"It's definitely a step in the right direction," said Brookins, who averaged 9.0 points and 4.3 assists per game last season, as a freshman. "I'm happy to be back and anxious to be playing, but the coaches are babysitting me a lot. I just have to take it one step at a time."

Brookins traveled with the team down to New York, for Tuesday's game against Iona.

"It's great that we have him back, supporting the team," said Siena coach Mitch Buonaguro.

Brookins hopes to be back practicing with the squad, at some point at during the second semester.

"I hope so," he said. "I believe I'll be able to practice with these guys."

Brookins spent much of his time back home, trying to stay busy. He would go watch his friend, Maalik Wayns, play for Villanova or go watch former Siena guard Jonathan Breeden, playing for Division II West Chester, where Brookins' cousin goes to school. .

"It was just different back home," Brookins said.

He still has some therapy sessions to finish and had been rehabbing twice a week at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital, but it's been a long road so far.

"It's been frustrating me a lot, especially in the beginning," Brookins said. "It was hard for me. I was watching the guys play and I wanted to be on the court with them so bad."

Brookins did have positive words for the guy who has been filling his spot on the squad, freshman Evan Hymes.

"Hymes is doing a great job and I'm proud of him."

Brookins is eager to return to action, so that he and Hymes can combine for a speedy backcourt.

"It's going to be a very quick and interesting backcourt and I can't wait," he said

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AE GAMEDAY: UAlbany at UMBC

Jeff Couch/The Record
This game got much more interesting at approximately 9:25 p.m., on Monday evening.

Every person in the room asked or wondered out loud about the UMBC/New Hampshire score.

Once it was confirmed that the Retrievers had won, doubling their win total in the process, it was clear that the UAlbany players were a little more focused on their next league task.

The Great Danes will be playing to go to 2-0 in conference play, for the first time in six years, when the team started America East play 5-1 and went on to play in the program's first NCAA tournament.

Needless to say this is a big game, even though it's against a 2-11 team.

UALBANY AT UMBC
When: Tonight, 7 p.m.
Where: Retriever Activities Center (3,284), Baltimore, Md.
2011 Records: UAlbany (1-0, 9-6) UMBC (1-0, 2-11)
Last Meeting: UAlbany 83, UMBC 67, on Feb. 23, 2011, at SEFCU Arena, Albany - UAlbany leads the all-time series 12-6

PROBABLE STARTERS
UALBANY
No., Name, Pos., Yr., Ht., Ppg.
10, Mike Black, G, Jr., 6-0, 12.1
2, Logan Aronhalt, G, Jr., 6-3, 15.1
20 Gerardo Suero, G, Jr., 6-4, 22.1
11, Luke Devlin, F, So., 6-8, 6-5
21, Blake Metcalf, C, Jr., 6-9, 4.2
UMBC
3, Quentin Jones, G, So., 6-0, 5.5
12, Ryan Cook, G, Jr., 6-2, 13.0
15, Brian Neller, G, Jr., 6-4, 12.7
1, Chase Plummer, F, So., 6-6, 13.6
34, Jake Wasco, F, Sr., 6-8, 3.8


AMERICA EAST STANDINGS
Team, Conference, Overall
UAlbany, 1-0, 9-6
Maine, 1-0, 7-5
Stony Brook, 1-0, 6-6
UMBC 1-1, 2-11
Boston U., 0-0, 4-10
New Hampshire, 0-1, 5-7
Vermont, 0-1, 6-9
Binghamton, 0-1, 0-13
Hartford, 0-1, 0-13
Today's Schedule
UAlbany at UMBC, 7 p.m.
Boston U. at Vermont, 7 p.m.
New Hampshire at Hartford, 7 p.m.
Stony Brook at Binghamton, 7 p.m.

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