UAlbany junior point guard Mike Black talks about the upcoming America East tournament. The Great Danes take on New Hampshire, on Saturday, in the quarterfinals.

Siena freshman point guard Evan Hymes talks about earned All-Rookie honors in the MAAC, and also the injury he suffered in the regular season finale.

Jacob Iati had the best week of his college career last week.

The UAlbany junior had 20 points against Rider and then scored 22 points against Binghamton, in two Great Danes victories.

On Monday, he was honored as the America East Player of the Week.

From the conference....


The junior, who eclipsed his career high for the second straight game, connected on 7-of-10 field goal attempts, including 5-of-7 tries from downtown. Iati, who will forego his last year of eligibility to join the UAlbany coaching staff, also grabbed four rebounds and had two steals. 


Prior to his 20-point showing against Rider on Feb. 18, Iati had totaled just 53 points in the first 20 games of the season (2.7 ppg). Forced into the Great Dane lineup because of injuries, Iati has put in 21.0 ppg over his last two games.

It was also announced that freshman Megan Craig has been honored as the America East Rookie of the Week.

OD Anosike and Lily Grenci both earned 1st team All-Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference honors, on Monday.

Anosike and Grenci are both in the running for the Player of the Year awards, which will be announced on Thursday evening.

Evan Hymes was named to the All-Rookie team, and he is a candidate for Rookie of the Year.

Cristina Centeno was named to the All-MAAC third team, on the women's side. 


FIRST TEAM ALL-MAAC
Rakim Sanders, Fairfield R-Sr.
Mike Glover, Iona Sr.
Scott Machado, Iona Sr.
Erik Etherly, Loyola Jr.
George Beamon, Manhattan, Jr. 
OD Anosike, Siena Jr.

SECOND TEAM ALL-MAAC 
Harold Washington, Canisius Jr.
Derek Needham, Fairfield Jr. 
Lamont Jones, Iona Jr.
Dylon Cormier, Loyola So.
Brandon Penn, Rider Sr.

THIRD TEAM ALL-MAAC
Justin Drummond, Loyola So.
Robert Olson, Loyola Jr.
Michael Alvarado, Manhattan So.
Devon Price, Marist Jr.
Juan'ya Green, Niagara Fr.
Darius Conley, Saint Peter's Jr.

ALL-ROOKIE
Juan'ya Green, Niagara
Antoine Mason, Niagara
Evan Hymes, Siena
Chavaughn Lewis, Marist
Emmy Andujar, Manhattan

Here are my choices for the All-MAAC teams. The real selections will be made at noon, on Monday.

First Team
Mike Glover, Iona
Scott Machado, Iona
Rakim Sanders, Fairfield
George Beamon, Manhattan
OD Anosike, Siena 

Second Team
Erik Etherly, Loyola
Dylon Cormier, Loyola
Lamont Jones, Iona
Brandon Penn, Rider
Derek Needham, Fairfield

Third Team
Sean Armand, Iona
Kyle Downey, Siena
Harold Washington, Canisius
Michael Alvarado, Manhattan
Darius Conley, Saint Peter's 

All-Rookie
Chavaughn Lewis, Marist
Evan Hymes, Siena
Juan'ya Green, Niagara
Anotine Mason, Niagara
Emmy Andujar, Manhattan

ROY: Evan Hymes, Siena
POY: Scott Machado, Iona
COY: Steve Masiello, Manhattan

ALBANY - Almost everything went right for Siena on Senior Day -- almost.

The Saints scored a season-high 86 points, in defeating Canisius 86-75, on Sunday afternoon. Siena's win coupled with Niagara's loss at Marist, means that the Saints are the No. 6 seed in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference tournament, which is next weekend in Springfield, Mass.

The bad news was that freshman point guard Evan Hymes injured his left knee, with four minutes to play, and is headed to the hospital for further evaluation. Hymes ran into the base of the basket and had to be helped off of the court, not putting any weight on the left leg. 

Kyle Downey scored a career-high 28 points, while OD Anosike added 16 points and 16 rebounds. Senior Conner Fenlon scored five points, including a 3-pointer early, as he got the start on Senior Day.  

Harold Washington scored a team-high 27 points to lead the Golden Griffins.

Siena finishes the regular season 10-4 at home.

Video of freshman Evan Hymes getting injured in Sunday's victory over Canisius, courtesy of Siena Athletics Department.

ALBANY - Siena looked really good in the first half.

Even Conner Fenlon got into the act. Starting on Senior Day, Fenlon knocked down a 3-pointer from the left corner to put the Saints up 4-0.

Siena shot 50 percent (16-32) from the field. Leading the way was Kyle Downey, who finished with 14 points. The Saints also hit seven 3-pointers, two from Downey, Evan Hymes and Rob Poole.

Canisius was led by Harold Washington, who had 10 and Alshwan Hymes added nine.

With Marist leading Niagara, Siena just needs one more half to earn the No. 6 seed, and avoid the play-in round at the conference tournament.

UAlbany coach Will Brown talks about the contract extension that was announced between him and the University on Friday.

Here is a link to the story that appeared in Saturday's paper.

POUGHKEEPSIE — The Siena men’s basketball team controlled their own fate.

Then, they hit the road and the Saints’ season-long problem of playing away from Albany, reared its ugly head.

Marist scored the game’s final nine points and posted a 61-52 victory at McCann Arena on Thursday evening.

Siena (7-10, 12-16) finishes the regular season with just one Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference victory on the road (1-8).

The Saints also will post back-to-back losing conference season for the first time since 1995-96 & ’96-97 seasons.    

Siena is 3-12 in games away from Albany this season.

The Saints had won 10 straight meetings against the Red Foxes, but it was Marist (6-11, 12-17), which got 16 points and eight rebounds from Chavaughn Lewis, which came out on top this time around.

“I’m just working as hard as possible,” said Lewis, who was also recruited heavily by Siena and coach Mitch Buonaguro.

OD Anosike posted his 21st double-double of the season for the Saints, scoring 15 points and grabbing 14 rebounds.

The Saints trailed by eight at halftime, 28-20, and fell behind by as many as 12 points before mounting a comeback.

A 14-0 run, capped by a 3-point play from Anosike, put Siena up 48-46.

Marist fought right back though, as Lewis converted a 3-point play of his own and then Isaiah Morton hit a 3-pointer to put the Red Foxes up 52-48.

Anosike tied the game again, 52-52, but Lewis sunk two free throws to give Marist the lead for good.

The big shot came off the hands of Jay Bowie, who sunk a 3-pointer from the corner, to put the Red Foxes up 57-52. 

Evan Hymes chipped in 14 points for the Saints, but he finished just 5-for-12 from the field and Siena as a team, shot just 2-for-15 (13.3%) from beyond the arc and only 6-for-13 (46.2%) from the free throw line.

The Saints dropped to 0-12, when they score less than 60 points in a game this season.

Siena finishes the regular season, on Sunday, when they host Canisius, at 2 p.m.

VESTAL — Will Brown wanted his team to have some momentum heading into the postseason.
Mission accomplished.

The University at Albany finished the regular season with back-to-back victories, defeating Binghamton, 74-63, on Thursday evening.

“We were just trying to win and get the heck out of here,” Brown said. “Everyone who played did a good job.”

The Great Danes (9-7, 18-13) are the No. 4 seed for the upcoming America East tournament, and await to find out their opponent, for the quarterfinal matchup, on March 3.

“Now we head home and try to get healthy for next week,” Brown said.

Junior guard Jacob Iati led the way, for the second straight game, scoring a career-high 22 points and knocking down five 3-pointers.

“Jacob did a tremendous job and I’m really happy for him,” Brown said.

Iati had scored just 53 points all year, but in the past two games, he has added 42 points to his season total.

“He’s just a gutsy kid,” Brown said. 

Gerardo Suero scored 15 points, after missing two straight game, due to shingles. Suero passed Jamar Wilson (2006-07) for the most points by a UAlbany player in a single-season. Suero, who also grabbed a game-high 11 rebounds, now has 630 points on the season and is averaging 21.7 points per game.

Logan Aronhalt also played a few minutes and scored two points, after missing the last game because of a knee injury that threatened to end his season. 

With key players in and out of the lineup, Brown was pleased with different players stepping in and stepping up.

“I’m just happy for my guys,” he said. “There are a lot of guys who have contributed in the last few games.”

Ben Dickinson led the way for the Bearcats (1-14, 1-27), scoring 21 points, while Taylor Johnston added a dozen.

Binghamton cut the lead to single digits late, but didn’t have enough offense to pull even.

“They’ve played hard all year long,” Brown said, of the Bearcats. “They were coming off a big win, so I knew that they would play hard.”

UAlbany finishes the regular season with two more wins than they had last season, when they finished 16-16.

“Anytime you can go out on the road, this late in the year and get a win, we’ll take it,” Brown said.

The last two nights went how UAlbany had hoped, as first Hartford lost to Stony Brook, and then last night, New Hampshire lost to Maine.

Those two results mean that before the Great Danes even take the floor this evening, against Binghamton, they are locked in as the No. 4 seed for the upcoming America East tournament.

UAlbany will play either Hartford or New Hampshire in the quarterfinals, at the University of Hartford's Chase Arena, on Saturday, March 3, at a time to be announced.

UAlbany will play Hartford, if the Hawks win their final game, at Boston University on Saturday OR if New Hampshire loses its final game, against Binghamton, on Sunday. UAlbany swept the season series with Hartford, winning earlier this season at Chase Arena, 72-60.

The Great Danes will play New Hampshire, with whom they split the season series, if the Wildcats win their final game AND Hartford loses its final contest. The two teams would finish 7-9 and New Hampshire would win the tie-breaker, due to its victory over Vermont, earlier this season.

Siena and Marist have been rivals for some time, but it's been a one-sided rivalry of late.

The Saints have won 10 straight meetings between these two teams and Siena could use another victory this evening.

The Saints are trying to move up, as high as fifth place in the MAAC standings and need two wins to do so.

With one point, Evan Hymes will move past Edwin Ubiles into fourth on the program's all-time list of scoring for freshmen. Hymes has 377 points this season.

SIENA AT MARIST

Where: McCann Arena (3,200), Poughkeepsie
When: Tonight, 9 p.m.
Radio: TALK 1300-AM (Robert Lee, Tom Huerter)
Internet: ESPN3.com (Doug Sherman, Rob Kennedy)
Last Meeting: Siena 66, Marist 55, at Times Union Center, Albany, on Jan. 27, 2012 — Siena leads the all-time series 46-22
Records: Siena (7-9, 12-15) Marist (5-11, 11-17)

Probable Starters
SIENA

No, Player, Pos., Yr., Ht., Ppg
5, Evan Hymes, G, Fr., 5-8, 14.0
3, Kyle Downey, G, Sr., 6-2, 13.0
31, Owen Wignot, F, Sr., 6-6, 6.3
1, OD Anosike, F, Jr., 6-8, 15.1
0, Brandon Walters, C, Sr., 6-8, 6.3

MARIST

No, Player, Pos., Yr., Ht., Ppg
0, Devin Price, G, Jr., 6-1, 13.5 
11, Isaiah Morton, G, Fr., 5-8, 7.6
40, Chavaughn Lewis, G/F, Fr., 6-5, 13.8 
20, Jay Bowie, G/F, So., 6-5, 6.8 
50, Adam Kemp, F, So., 6-10, 8.7

MAAC STANDINGS

School, Conference, Overall
Iona, 13-3, 22-6
Loyola (Md), 12-4, 20-7
Fairfield, 12-4, 17-11
Manhattan, 11-5, 19-10
Rider, 8-8, 11-18
Siena, 7-9, 12-15
Niagara, 7-9, 12-17
Marist, 5-11, 11-17
Saint Peter’s, 4-12, 5-23
Canisus, 1-15, 5-22

Today’s Games

Siena at Marist, 9 p.m.

Friday’s Games

Canisius at Manhattan, 7 p.m.
Loyola (Md) at Rider (ESPN2), 7 p.m.
Niagara at Saint Peter’s, 8 p.m.
Fairfield at Iona (ESPNU), 9 p.m.

J.S. Carras/The Record

It's hard to believe, but this game marks the regular season finale for the University at Albany.

It feels like just yesterday, I was driving out to Syracuse for the team's second game, against Brown and then Syracuse, the next evening.

The season goes quickly for sure.

UAlbany talked before Wednesday's practice like they wouldn't overlook Binghamton, especially after the last meeting, which was very close.

The Bearcats are also coming off of their first victory of the season, so it'll be interesting to see how they come out to play, since they haven't played following a victory all season.

UALBANY AT BINGHAMTON

Where: Events Center (5,134), Vestal
When: Tonight, 7 p.m.
Radio: WOFX 980-AM (Rodger Wyland)
Internet: ESPN3.com
Last Meeting: UAlbany 74, Binghamton 68, at SEFCU Arena, Albany, on Jan. 25, 2012 — UAlbany leads the all-time series 59-29
Records: UAlbany (8-7, 17-13) Binghamton (1-13, 1-26)

Probable Starters
UALBANY

No, Player, Pos., Yr., Ht., Ppg
0, Jacob Iati, G, Jr., 5-10, 3.5
10, Mike Black, G, Sr., 6-0, 13.4 
20, Gerardo Suero, G, Jr., 6-4, 22.0
30, Jayson Guerrier, G/F, Jr., 6-4, 6.2
21, Blake Metcalf, C, Jr., 6-9, 4.7

BINGHAMTON

No, Player, Pos., Yr., Ht., Ppg
20, Jimmy Gray, G, Jr., 6-0, 7.4 
2, Robert Mansell, G, So., 6-4, 14.3
40, Javon Ralling, F, Jr., 6-6, 3.5 
22, Taylor Johnston, F, Jr., 6-7, 2.3 
14, Ben Dickinson, F, Fr., 6-9, 12.8 

AMERICA EAST STANDINGS

School, Conference, Overall
Stony Brook, 13-2, 19-8
Vermont, 12-3, 19-11
Boston U., 11-4, 15-15
UAlbany, 8-7, 17-13
Hartford, 7-8, 8-20
New Hampshire, 6-9, 12-15
Maine, 6-9, 12-15
UMBC, 3-12, 4-24
Binghamton, 1-13, 1-26

Wednesday’s Scores

Maine 71, New Hampshire 58
Boston U. 73, UMBC 52

Today’s Games

UAlbany at Binghamton, 7 p.m.

J.S. Carras/The Record

ALBANY - Okay, so the New York Knicks phenom Jeremy Lin wasn't actually at the SEFCU Arena today for UAlbany practice, but he was mentioned.

With the Great Danes playing shorthanded a few players, the questions was posed to junior captain Blake Metcalf, if Jacob Iati is his team's Jeremy Lin.

“Jeremy Lin and Jacob Iati — that’s a good comparison," Metcalf responded. "He’s a guy that got looked passed by a lot of people.”

Iati scored 20 points on Senior Night, this past Saturday against Rider.

Iati, who is listed as a junior, but is a senior academically, has helped provide some leadership for a team that doesn't have any seniors on the roster. 

“Iati has done a good job stepping in and helping with me leading on the court,” Metcalf said.

So, maybe Iati didn't go from nearly being cut, to the superstar and talk of the country, but what he's provided recently has been astonishing. 

“I guess that’s a good comparison," Metcalf said.

UAlbany junior guard Logan Aronhalt talks about the status of his knee injury.

J.S. Carras/The Record

Edwin Ubiles will be participating in NBA All-Star weekend.

The former Siena star has been selected as an all-star in the NBA Developmental League. Playing for the Dakota Wizards, Ubiles is averaging a team-high 20.7 points, 5.7 rebounds 3.3 assists and 1.0 steals in 22 games.

The game can be seen on NBATV, on Saturday, at 2 p.m., from Orlando, Fla.

Ubiles spent time in NBA training camp, with the Golden State Warriors, prior to the start of the season.

Here is UAlbany coach Will Brown, reacting to his team's 70-61 victory over Rider.


Below is Rider coach Tommy Dempsey and his opening statments to the media.

Siena lost its BracketBusters game, 81-69 at Hofstra on Saturday. Below are highlights and reaction from Coach Mitch Buonaguro, courtesy of the Siena Athetic Department.

ALBANY - It was the Jacob Iati show on Saturday evening.

The senior, academically, scored a career-high 20 points, as the University at Albany earned a 70-61 victory over Rider.

Iati was honored on Senior Night and then went out and knocked down six 3-pointers in the win. 

Mike Black added a game-high 23 points, while Jayson Guerrier, who knocked down four treys, finished with 15 points.

The Great Danes (17-13) have more wins than they did last season, when they finished 16-16 and finish the regular season 10-3 at home. They also picked up their ninth non-conference victory, the most in the program's Division I history.

UAlbany played without Gerardo Suero (ill), Logan Aronhalt (knee), Luke Devlin (knee) and Ralph Watts (hamstring).

The Broncs (11-18) played without second leading scorer Brandon Penn (knee) and were led by Jeff Jones, who finished with 18 points, while Novar Gadson added 11.

The Great Danes finish up America East Conference play, against Binghamton, on Thursday, out in Vestal.

ALBANY - No players, no problem for the University at Albany.

Well, the Great Danes actually have players on the court, but it's certainly not their regular attack.

Gerardo Suero (shingles), Logan Aronhalt (knee), Luke Devlin (knee) and Ralph Watts (hamstring) are all sitting out with injuries.

UAlbany has hit seven 3-pointers and is shooting 7-for-12 (58.3%) from beyond the arc. Mike Black leads the way with 12 points, while Jayson Guerrier added 11 for the Great Danes.

Jacob Iati, who was being honored on Senior Night, here at SEFCU Arena, has hit three 3-pointers and has nine points.

Rider is led by Jeff Jones, who has 10 points, while Anthony Myles has eight. Myles had an icebag on his hand as he walked to the locker room for intermission.

J.S. Carras/The Record

Tonight's regular season home finale for UAlbany will be interesting.

The Great Danes will likely be without three-fifths of their starting lineup because the game doesn't mean as much as the regular season finale or the upcoming conference tournament.

Rider could be without some players as well, as they have had a couple players miss games recently due to sickness.

If both teams were at full strength, this would be a track meet.

As it is, UAlbany will try to slow things down.

Both teams would like finish the regular season strong and the winner will get some momentum, heading into the final week.

UALBANY VS RIDER

Where: SEFCU Arena (4,538), Albany
When: Tonight, 7 p.m.
Radio: WOFX – 980-AM (Rodger Wyland)
Last Meeting: Rider 52, UAlbany 42, at Trenton, N.J. on March 6, 1958 — Rider leads the all-time series 1-0
Records: Rider (11-17) UAlbany (16-13) 

Probable Starters

RIDER

No    Player     Pos.    Yr.    Ht.    Ppg
5    Jonathon Thompson    G    Jr.    6-4    7.1
10    Anthony Myles    G    Sr.    6-5    10.2
13    Daniel Stewart    F    So.    6-7    11.7
23    Novar Gadson    F    Sr.     6-7    10.2
31    Brandon Penn    F    Sr.    6-8     12.5

UALBANY

No    Player    Pos.    Yr.    Ht.    Ppg
1     Jacob Iati    G    Jr     5-10     2.7
10    Mike Black    G    Jr.    6-0    13.0
30    Jayson Guerrier    G/F     Jr.    6-4    5.9
22    Ralph Watts     G/F    So    6-5     2.6
21     Blake Metcalf    F     Jr.     6-9     4.8

Today’s Games

Stony Brook at Northeastern    1 p.m.
Niagara at Vermont     2 p.m.
Marist at Maine     2 p.m.
UMBC at Canisius    2 p.m.
UNC-Wilmington at Manhattan    2 p.m.
Hartford at Saint Peter’s    2 p.m.
Towson at New Hampshire    3 p.m.
Binghamton at Radford    4 p.m.
Fairfield at Milwaukee    4 p.m.
Nevada at Iona (ESPN2)    4 p.m.
Siena at Hofstra    4 p.m.
Rider at UAlbany    7 p.m.

Sunday’s Games

Boston U. at Loyola (Md.)    12 p.m.

J.S. Carras/The Record

Siena travels south today to take on Hofstra in a BracketBusters game.

This game doesn't mean too much in terms of how the Saints or Pride will finish up the year, but both teams are looking for some momentum as the regular season draws to a close.

Here is a link to the BracketBusters advance that was in Saturday's edition of the paper.

SIENA AT HOFSTRA

Where: Mack Sports Complex (5,054), Hempstead
When: Today, 4 p.m.
Radio: TALK 1300 (Robert Lee)
Last Meeting: Hofstra 84, Siena 80, at Times Union Center, Albany, on Nov. 29, 2006 — Hofstra leads the all-time series 3-0 
Records: Siena (12-14) Hofstra (8-20)

Probable Starters
SIENA

No     Player    Pos.    Yr.    Ht.    Ppg
5    Evan Hymes    G    Fr.    5-8    14.3
3     Kyle Downey    G    Sr.    6-2    12.8
31    Owen Wignot     F    Sr.    6-6    6.1
1    OD Anosike    F    Jr.    6-8    14.8
0    Brandon Walters     C    Sr.    6-8    6.4

HOFSTRA

No    Player    Pos.    Yr.    Ht.     Ppg
11    Dwan McMillan    G     Sr.    6-0     5.6
23    Mike Moore     G    Sr.     6-5    19.1
1    Nathaniel Lester    F    Sr.     6-5     14.4
5    David Imes    F     Jr.     6-7    7.0
24    Stephen Nwaukoni    F     So.    6-8    4.3

Today’s Games

Stony Brook at Northeastern    1 p.m.
Niagara at Vermont     2 p.m.
Marist at Maine     2 p.m.
UMBC at Canisius    2 p.m.
UNC-Wilmington at Manhattan    2 p.m.
Hartford at Saint Peter’s    2 p.m.
Towson at New Hampshire    3 p.m.
Binghamton at Radford    4 p.m.
Fairfield at Milwaukee    4 p.m.
Nevada at Iona (ESPN2)    4 p.m.
Siena at Hofstra    4 p.m.
Rider at UAlbany    7 p.m.

Sunday’s Games

Boston U. at Loyola (Md.)    12 p.m.

Here is my view of UAlbany's game-tying look that was way off the mark, enabling Vermont to hang on for a 50-47 victory.



Below is UAlbany coach Will Brown's opening statement ot the media.

ALBANY - UAlbany did its best job at totally changing their gameplan.

Used to an up-tempo style, the Great Danes slowed it down, but Vermont got some big shots late to escape with a 50-47 victory at SEFCU Arena.

Sandro Carissimo and Matt Glass hit back-to-back 3-pointers to put the Catamounts up nine, 46-37, in the final minute.

UAlbany didn't go away, getting a 4-point play from Mike Black and a 3-pointer from Jacob Iati to cut to within one, but the Great Danes could come no closer.

Black led the way for UAlbany (8-7, 16-13) with 16 points, while Jayson Guerrier added 14.

The Great Danes played without Gerardo Suero, the nation's fifth leading scorer and their second leading scorer, Logan Aronhalt, was held scoreless in only nine minutes, due to a knee issue. UAlbany also was without Luke Devlin in the second half.

Brendan Bald scored 10 points to lead Vermont (12-2, 18-10), while the Catamounts leading scorer, Four McGlynn was held off the scoreboard.

UAlbany is back in action, when they host Rider, in a BracketBusters game on Saturday.

ALBANY - UAlbany did its best to gut through the first half.

That might not be enough against a very talented vermont team.

Already playing without the nation's fifth-leading scorer Gerardo Suero, the Great Danes saw Luke Devlin go down in the first half.

Also, Logan Aronhalt, who wasn't expected to play yesterday, didn't score in nine minutes for UAlbany.

Jayson Guerrier leads the way for the Great Danes with eight points, while Brendan Bald has seven points for the Catamounts.

Vermont's leading scorer, Four McGlynn, hasn't scored yet. He had 24 points Sunday against Stony Brook.

ALBANY - The nation's fifth leading scorer will not be in the building on Wednesday.

Gerardo Suero won't play for the University at Albany, against Vermont, and won't be in the building because he has shingles.

Logan Aronhalt (knee) will play, but will not start.

UAlbany Athletics

This is a big game for UAlbany and for Vermont, for that matter.

The Catamounts control their own destiny and if they win out, they will win the America East Conference regular season title.

The Great Danes are still looking for a signature conference victory, as they 0-5 against the three teams ahead of them and 8-1 against the five teams behind them in the standings.

UAlbany will likely be without second leading scorer Logan Aronhalt (knee) and could be without Gerardo Suero (right) and/or Luke Devlin who have both been under the weather.

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

Below, junior Jacob Iati talks about the Vermont game and how is role could be changing, due to some injuries.  

Siena coach Mitch Buonaguro talks about his team's 70-64 victory over Manhattan on Tuesday.

ALBANY - Nothing has come easy for the Siena men's basketball team this season.

The Saints took advantage of everything that was free in Tuesday's 70-64 victory over Manhattan.

Siena shot 25-for-30 (83.3%) from the free throw line and 22-for-24 (91.7%) in the second half, as they held on for the win.

Rob Poole made 10 free throws (10-13) and OD Anosike knocked down eight (8-9) on the night.

"Coach has been harping on it all year," Anosike said. "Sometimes when you struggle from the outside, you have to find ways to manufacture points, whether it be offensive rebounds or free throws."

Anosike is just a 55 percent (81-146) shooter from the stripe, but he has been much better lately.

In the last four games, Anosike is 20-for-25 (80%) from the free throw line. 

In Tuesday's game, it seemed like Anosike was using his legs more and springing backwards as he released the ball.

"Maybe the arc is the key," he said. "I think I was shooting the ball higher today, getting it over the front rim."

Anosike also says that he's been shooting the ball better as he has maintained confidence in his shot.

"I'm just trying to stay confident," he said. "I seem to shoot it better when I have more confidence."

Anosike knows that it will continue to be important that Siena knock down the free throws on a consistent basis. 

"It's just really important that we step up and knock down free throws because we're going to need the points, especially down the stretch," he said.

ALBANY - Another one bites the dust.

The Siena men's basketball team dropped another of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference's top teams on Tuesday evening, taking down Manhattan 70-64, in front of 5,812 fans.

The Saints (7-9, 12-14) have beaten four of the league's top five teams, at home this season.

Siena was led by freshman point guard Evan Hymes, who finished with a game-high 21 points and seven assists.

The Saints led for the game's final 35 minutes, taking a lead as big as 11, with 2:19 to play.

Kyle Downey added 18 points, OD Anosike chipped in 14 and Rob Poole made 10 free throws.

Siena shot 25-for-30 (83.3%) from the free throw line and had only 14 turnovers. In the earlier matchup, the Saints committed a season-high 22 turnovers.

The Jaspers (11-5, 18-10) were led by George Beamon, who finished with 16 points, while Emmy Andujar added 11.

Manhattan played the final 26 minutes without sophomore Michael Alvarado, who was hit in the eye and didn't return to the court for the second half.

Siena travels to Long Island, to take on Hofstra, on Saturday, at 4 p.m., in a BracketBusters game.

ALBANY - Siena is playing like a team inspired in the first half. 

Evan Hymes is doing it all, leading the way with 15 points, four assists, three steals and one rebound in the first 20 minutes. The freshman has all but sewed up the conference's rookie of the year award, in my eyes.

After a slow start from both teams, Siena gathered the lead and extended it to as many as nine, 24-15.

Manhattan had 11 turnovers in the first half and didn't look like a team that came into play as the third place team in the standings. 

OD Anosike scored six points and grabbed five rebounds in the first half.

Rhamel Brown leads the way for the Jaspers with six points.

This should be an exciting second half.

Mike McMahon/The Record

Siena has a big game this evening at home, against Manhattan.

The Saints are trying to remain in the top six in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, and with just three league games remaining, a win tonight would be huge.

The Jaspers are much improved from years past, as they have 11 conference wins and handed the Saints one of their most lopsided losses, 72-53, earlier this season, in Riverdale.

Siena committed a season-high 22 turnovers in the meeting earlier this season, so ball security will be a huge key to tonight's game.

MANHATTAN 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: Manhattan (11-4, 18-9) Siena (6-9, 11-14)
Last Meeting: Manhattan 72, Siena 53, at Draddy Gym, Riverdale, on Jan. 14, 2012 — Manhattan leads the all-time series 47-36

PROBABLE STARTING LINEUPS
MANHATTAN

No., Name, Pos., Yr., Ht., Avg.
31, Michael Alvarado, G, So., 6-2, 8.7

5, Mohamed Koita, G, Jr., 6-4, 2.0

24, George Beamon, G/F, Jr., 6-4, 17.8

13, Emmy Andujar, F, Fr., 6-5, 8.2

22, Roberto Colonette, F, Sr., 6-7, 6.3

SIENA

No., Name, Pos., Yr., Ht., Avg.
5, Evan Hymes, G, Fr., 5-8, 14.0
3, Kyle Downey, G, Sr., 6-2, 12.6
31, Owen Wignot, F, Sr., 6-8, 6.2
1, OD Anosike, F, Jr., 6-8, 14.8
0, Brandon Walters, C, Sr., 6-8, 6.6

MAAC STANDINGS

School, Conference, Overall
Iona, 12-3, 20-6
Loyola (Md), 12-3, 19-6

Manhattan, 11-4, 18-9
Farifield, 10-4, 15-10
Rider, 8-7, 11-16
Siena, 6-9, 11-14
Niagara, 6-9, 11-16
Marist, 4-10, 9-16

Saint Peter’s, 4-11, 5-21
Canisius, 1-14, 4-21

Today’s Games

Manhattan at Siena, 7 p.m.

Wednesday’s Games

Canisius at Niagara, 7 p.m.

Loyola (Md.) at Marist, 7 p.m.

Iona at Rider, 7 p.m.

Saint Peter's at Fairfield, 7:30 p.m.

ORONO, Maine — The University at Albany men’s basketball team picked up the win they were desperately in search of on Saturday afternoon.

Gerardo Suero scored a game-high 28 points, while also dishing out six assists as the Great Danes posted a 76-68 victory over Maine, at Alfond Sports Arena.

Suero shot 11-for-22 from the field, while Luke Devlin (13) and Mike Black (11) each chipped in double figures for UAlbany (8-6, 16-12).

Coach Will Brown thought Devlin may miss the game because of back issue that flared up in the previous game against New Hampshire.

The Great Danes did play without second leading scorer Logan Aronhalt, who missed the game with a knee injury.

Alasdair Fraser scored a team-high 21 points for the Black Bears (5-8, 11-13), 14 of which came in the first half.

UAlbany returns to the floor on Wednesday, when the Great Danes host Vermont.        

Here are two videos, of Siena's 60-50 victory over Canisius, courtesy of the Siena Athletic Department.

J.S. Carras/The Record

Siena hasn't played last-place Canisius yet this season.

They certainly won't take the Griffins for granted, but they desperately need a win, to snap a four-game losing streak.

The game can be seen on Time Warner-3.

The Saints have lost all seven MAAC games away from home, an astonishing stat, considering they are 5-2 at home.

Canisius played Thursday evening without talented star Gaby Belardo, but the Saints are preparing to face him this afternoon.

UAlbany Athletics

The University at Albany has a pivotal game this afternoon, against Maine.

They need a win for a number of reasons, but mostly because they've lost three games in a row.

Following the loss to New Hampshire, on Thursday, coach Will Brown said this was a tired team. 

They will need to forget the fatigue for a few hours on Saturday.

A victory would also nearly lock up the fact that the Great Danes could finish no lower than fourth in the America East standings.

They will have their hands full, against a team they only defeated by one, 76-75, at home.

UAlbany may be without two starters, as Luke Devlin (back) and Logan Aronhalt (knee) may not play.

If Devlin and Aronhalt are out, the team will have to rely even more heavily on Mike Black (left) and Gerardo Suero, the nation's fifth leading scorer. 

The Great Danes are a talented team, but this is a bad time to be playing lousy. They need a solid game to turn things around.

Here are some highlights from Thursday night's Siena game against Niagara, courtesy of the Siena Athletic Department.



Siena coach Mitch Buonaguro talks about the 58-54 loss.

DURHAM, N.H. — The University at Albany needed a solid performance on Thursday evening and they didn’t answer the bell.

The Great Danes followed a heartbreaking loss to Boston University, on Monday, with an equally difficult to swallow, 69-64 loss, at New Hampshire’s Lundholm Gymnasium.

UAlbany (7-6, 15-12) has now lost three straight games and the fourth place Danes dropped their first game of the conference season to a team behind them in the standings (7-1) on this night.  

“We’re a very, very tired group right now,” said UAlbany coach Will Brown.

That’s not a good sign for a team that is at a crossroads in its season, and with a game tomorrow afternoon at Maine.

“We’re tired right now,” Brown said. “That’s not an excuse. UNH played well.”

The Great Danes played the second half without sophomore forward Luke Devlin, who reaggravated his back injury during intermission.

Logan Aronhalt, who finished with only four points, also sat more than the final 10 minutes, dealing with a sore knee.

Still, UAlbany defeated New Hampshire (4-8, 9-14) 86-63, back on Jan. 11, and this game was nothing like that one.

The Great Danes trailed by 11 points, 58-47,with less than six minutes to play, before turning it on.

UAlbany went on a furious rally to tie the game at 61-61, but the Wildcats scored eight of the game’s final 11 points come away with the win.

Brian Benson put New Hampshire up 63-61, with 1:24 to play.

Gerardo Suero, who finished with a team-high 20 points for the Great Danes, then turned the ball over and it cost his team big time.

At the other end, Ferg Myrick scored and was fouled, to put New Hampshire up, 66-61.

“I’m proud that our guys fought late,” Brown said. “The last two possessions, we made poor decisions.”

Brown was referring to Suero’s turnover and then, with UAlbany down 67-64, Mike Black tried to draw contact on a 3-point attempt that caromed off the side of the rim and backboard. 

Alvin Abreu scored a game-high 21 points for New Hampshire, while Myrick and Benson each added 19.

The Great Danes can’t afford to let this losing streak continue, so they must try to turn things around against Maine, on Saturday.

“We have to see how this group rebounds and responds,” Brown said.

J.S. Carras/The Record

This game may not be vital for the University at Albany, in the America East Conference standings, but after blowing a 17-point lead to Boston University, on Monday, tonight's game is crucial.

The Great Danes are out to snap a two-game losing streak, when they face New Hampshire, on Thursday evening.

UAlbany sits in fourth place in the league standings, but they need to make sure there is no carryover effect from a very difficult loss, just three days ago.

The Great Danes are also 7-0 against teams below them in the standings and they'd like to make sure that continues.

The Wildcats have lost five of their last seven games and lost to UAlbany by 23 points, in January, at SEFCU.

UAlbany needs this game in the win column, more so for confidence, than anything else.

UALBANY AT NEW HAMPSHIRE

When: Tonight, 7 p.m. Where: Lundholm Gymnasium (3,000), Durham, N.H.  
Internet: ESPN3.com 
Radio: WOFX 980-AM2011-12 Records: UAlbany (7-5, 15-11) New Hampshire (3-8, 8-14)
Last Meeting: UAlbany 86, New Hampshire 63, at SEFCU Arena, Albany, on Jan. 11, 2012 — UAlbany leads the all-time series 13-11

PROBABLE STARTING LINEUPS
NEW HAMPSHIRE

No./Name    Pos.    Yr.    Ht.     Avg.
25    Alvin Abreu    G    Sr.     6-2     13.4 
3    Chandler Rhoads    G    Jr.    6-4    11.9 
14    Patrick Konan    F    So.    6-6    10.0  
15    Ferg Myrick     F    Jr.    6-6    7.2
34    Brian Benson, F, Sr., 6-9, 7.0 

UALBANY

No./Name    Pos.    Yr.    Ht.    Avg.
10    Mike Black    G    Jr.    6-0    13.0
2    Logan Aronhalt     G    Jr.    6-3    15.6
20    Gerardo Suero    G    Jr.    6-4    21.8
11    Luke Devlin    F    So.     6-8    6.2
21    Blake Metcalf    C    Jr.     6-8    4.5

AMERICA EAST STANDINGS

School, Conference, Overall
Stony Brook, 11-1, 16-7
Vermont, 10-2, 16-10
 Boston U., 9-3, 13-13
UAlbany, 7-5, 15-11 
Maine, 5-6, 11-11
Hartford, 5-7, 5-19
New Hampshire, 3-8, 8-14
UMBC, 2-9, 3-20
Binghamton, 0-11, 0-23  

Today’s Games

Maine at Boston U., 7 p.m.
UAlbany at New Hampshire, 7 p.m.
UMBC at Stony Brook, 7 p.m.

J.S. Carras/The Record

Siena has a pivotal game on Thursday evening.

The Saints are one game ahead of Niagara in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference standings and really trying to remain in the top six spots, to avoid having to play in the first round of the league tournament (which i can't believe is only three weeks away).

The Purple Eagles have a young, tough team that gave Siena a lot of trouble earlier this season.

Niagara has lost five games in a row, all to solid teams, but they are in a rut, for sure.

In my opinion, the Saints have to go 4-1 in their final five MAAC games, to be assured of avoiding the play-in game. That would put them at 9-9, which isn't unrealistic because they play four games against teams below them in the standings (although three of final five league games are on the road).

SIENA AT NIAGARA

When: Tonight, 7 p.m. Where: Gallagher Center (2,400), Lewiston
TV: Time Warner-3
Radio: TALK 1300-AM
2011-12 Records: Siena (5-8, 10-13) Niagara (4-9, 9-16)
Last Meeting: Siena 72, Niagara 60, at Times Union Center, Albany, on Jan. 8, 2012 — Siena leads the
all-time series 43-41

PROBABLE STARTING LINEUPS
SIENA

No./Name    Pos.    Yr.    Ht.    Avg.
5    Evan Hymes     G    Fr.    5-8    14.2
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    15.1 
0    Brandon Walters     C     Jr.     6-8     6.4

NIAGARA

No./Name     Pos.     Yr.    Ht.    Avg. 
14    Antoine Mason    G    Fr.    6-3     15.4
1    Malcolm Lemmons    G    So.    6-3    8.7  
10    Juan’ya Green    G    Fr.    6-3    16.7  
12    Scotter Gillette    F     Jr.    6-8     4.8 
11    Ameen Tanksley    G    Fr.     6-6    8.2 

MAAC STANDINGS

School  Conference    Overall
Iona    11-2    19-5
Loyola (Md.)    11-2    18-5
Manhattan    10-3    17-8
Fairfield    8-4    13-10
Rider    7-6    10-15
Siena    5-8    10-13 
Niagara    4-9    9-16
Saint Peter’s    4-9    5-19
Marist    3-9     8-15
Canisius    1-12    4-19

Today’s Games

Siena at Niagara    7 p.m.
Rider at Canisius    7 p.m.
Manhattan at Fairfield     7:30 p.m.
Marist at Saint Peter’s    8:30 p.m.

Friday’s Game

Iona at Loyola (ESPNU)    7 p.m.

Siena senior guard Kyle Downey talks about the team's trip out to Western New York.

The Saints leave town after practice on Wednesday. (in the video, I say it's a two-game losing streak, but Siena has lost three in a row).

c

Here is the final play from Monday's UAlbany/Boston University game, at SEFCU Arena.

ALBANY - The University at Albany played poor defensively in the second half, coughing up a 15-point halftime lead and in the process, losing a heartbreaker to Boston University, 81-78, on Monday evening.

The America East's most prolific offense played well for 35 minutes, but couldn't fire up, when the game was on the line.

The Great Danes scored just six points in the game's final five minutes, as they were outscored 11-6 to end the game.

UAlbany missed its final four shots, including two good looks from Gerardo Suero, who was right under the basket and missed four of its final six free throws.

"We had a couple good looks at the basket,” said UAlbany coach Will Brown.

Following the two Suero misses, Logan Aronhalt had a straightaway look at a 3-pointer that rimmed off.

“That could have been a dagger right there,” Brown said. 

To top it all off, the Great Danes didn't even get a look on the final possession, as John Puk call the ball at midcourt and looked for someone to pass to, with only two seconds to play.

Brown said that when the opposition goes on a run, his team's defense can disappear, along with its offense.

“If we have a lull, where the other team is scoring a little but – we turn it over or miss a couple shots, our defense seems to go south. It's hurt us a couple times right now."

 

UAlbany can blame this loss on its defense, which wasn't good in the final 20 minutes, but their normally explosive offense wasn't good at the end of the game. 

PARTIN VS SUERO: If I had to bet money on who would win the America East Player of the Year award (I don't and wouldn't) it would probably come down to UAlbany's Gerardo Suero or Boston University's Darryl Partin. 

Partin made me a believer, scoring a career-high 33 points, while Suero scored 28, bouncing back from the six-point outing he had against the Terriers earlier in the year. 

They are the league's two most dynamic players and they showed why on Monday evening. 

If it makes UAlbany fans feel any better and I'm sure it doesn't, Partin was asked about the Great Danes chances in the league tournament, even though they haven't beaten the three top teams. 

“When March comes, that doesn't matter at all," he said. "It's those three games.”

ALBANY - The University at Albany coughed up a big lead and lost another chance at a big victory on Monday evening.

The Great Danes allowed a 17-point lead to slip away and Boston University stole an 81-78 victory, at SEFCU Arena.

UAlbany blew a 16-point halftime lead at home, last season, to Boston University. This was a rough loss and the Great Danes (7-5, 15-11) were emotional afterwards.

The Terriers (9-3, 13-13) trailed by 16 points with 10 minutes to play, but a terrific performance from Darryl Partin brought Boston University back.

Partin finished with a game-high 33 points, finishing 12-for-17 from the field and giving his team its first lead, with 2:34 to play, on a 3-pointer, which put Boston University up 77-76.

The Great Danes were led by Gerardo Suero, who led four players in double figures with 28 points.

UAlbany, which plays next at New Hampshire on Thursday, went the game's final 2:34 without scoring.

ALBANY - UAlbany needed to play well Monday evening and they certainly did in the first half.

The Great Danes got a number of difference contributions in the first 20 minutes and never trailed in the first half.

UAlbany got 12 points apiece from Gerardo Suero and Jayson Guerrier. The Great Danes built a lead as big as 17 points, 46-29, when Guerrier hit two free throws in the final minute.

This game is shaping up to be one that UAlbany prefers to play. They are 11-1, when they score more than 75 points in a game and they are obviously on pace for that.

The Great Danes are playing very unselfish basketball, as they have 12 assists (seven for Mike Black) on 15 baskets. UAlbany also killed Boston University on the glass, outrebounding them 22-11 in the first half. 

The Terriers were led by Darryl Partin, who scored eight points and D.J. Irving added six.

J.S. Carras/The Record

UAlbany needs to prove something on Monday evening.

The Great Danes haven't beaten any of the three teams that sit above them in the standings, as they are 0-4 this season.

The Terriers won the game, earlier this season and will try to steal a game away from home.

With a win, UAlbany moves back into a third place tie, while with a loss, the Great Danes are going to have a tough time getting out of fourth place.

There was a good crowd at the Big Purple Growl, on Saturday, and I'm interested to see if those people w ill show for a Monday evening game.

UALBANY VS. BOSTON UNIVERSITY

When: Tonight, 7 p.m.
Where: SEFCU Arena (4,538), Albany
Radio: WOFX 980-AM
2011-12 Records: Boston University (8-3, 12-13) UAlbany (7-4, 15-10)
Last Meeting: Boston University 70, UAlbany 57, Agganis Arena, Boston, on Jan. 16, 2012 — Boston U. leads the all-time series 15-8

PROBABLE STARTING LINEUPS
BOSTON UNIVERSITY

No., Name, Pos., Yr., Ht., Avg.
13, D.J. Irving, G, So., 6-0, 12.1

1, Darryl Partin, G, Sr., 6-6, 19.6

24, Travis Robinson, F, So., 6-5, 5.1

25, Patrick Hazel, F, Sr., 6-6, 7.0

15, Dom Morris, F, So., 6-7, 6.4

UALBANY

No., Name, Pos., Yr., Ht., Avg. 
10, Mike Black, G, Jr., 6-0, 13.0
2, Logan Aronhalt, G, Jr., 6-3, 15.9
20, Gerardo Suero, G, Jr., 6-4, 21.6
11, Luke Devlin, F, So., 6-8, 6.3
21, Blake Metcalf, C, Jr., 6-8, 4.1

AMERICA EAST STANDINGS

School, Conference, Overall
Stony Brook, 10-1, 15-7

Vermont, 9-2, 15-10

Boston U., 8-3, 12-13

UAlbany, 7-4, 15-10

Maine, 5-5, 11-10

Hartford, 4-7, 4-19

New Hampshire, 3-7, 8-13

UMBC, 2-8, 3-19

Binghamton, 0-11, 0-23

Today’s Games

Boston U. at UAlbany, 7 p.m.

Vermont at Maine, 7 p.m.

Stony Brook at New Hampshire, 7 p.m.

Tuesday's Game

Hartford at UMBC, 7 p.m.

J.S. Carras/The Record

ALBANY – The Siena men's basketball team has been anything but super on the road this season.

The Saints have lost their last four games away from the homecourt and are winless in all five league games, outside the city of Albany.

Yet, after dropping a tough 63-58 game to Saint Peter's on Friday, Siena starts a three-game road trip this afternoon, when they take on Fairfield, at 3:30 p.m.

The game can be seen on SNY in the Capital District, for fans who want an appetizer, before Super Bowl XLVI, between the New York Giants and New England Patriots.

The Stags (7-4, 12-10) are coming off of an eight-point victory over Niagara, where junior guard Derek Needham scored a career-high 32 points. Fairfield, which was the No. 2 pick in the preseaon poll, has been inconsistent this season, but the Stags seem to have righted the ship, winning four of their past five games.

The Saints (5-7, 10-12) won the first meeting, 73-60, in Albany, but they know this game will be much more difficult.

“Fairfield's a team that's very good,” said junior forward OD Anosike. “They're definitely in the upper echelon of the league. We got them here, when we played them at home, but it's going to be a much different atmosphere.”

In Friday's loss, Siena really struggled offensively, down the stretch, scoring just 12 points in the game's final 11 minutes and finishing the game 3-for-14 from the field.

“We did take some questionable shots,” said freshman Evan Hymes. “We probably should have got the ball into OD.”

Anosike had his streak of 17 straight double-doubles snapped, finishing with just nine points, his lowest total since Nov. 21, when he scored just four points, against St. Bonaventure.

The Saints are 2-8 away from Albany this season and they must bounce back from a tough home loss to have a solid performance tonight.

“We have a tough game,” said Siena coach Mitch Buonaguro. “We have to move on.”

The players think it could be beneficial to have such a quick turnaround from Friday's disappointment.

“I think it's going to be good to get it out of our system and forget about it,” said senior guard Kyle Downey.

J.S. Carras/The Record

Siena has a pivotal game on Sunday afternoon.

The Saints dropped a home game, against a team below them in the standings on Friday and now face a very talented Fairfield team.

Siena is just one game ahead of two teams (Niagara, Saint Peter's) behind them and can't afford to fall behind them, if they want to avoid the play-in round in the MAAC tournament.

Derek Needham is coming off a 32-point performance and you can be sure that Fairfield hasn't forgotten the 73-60 loss they suffered up in Albany.

SIENA AT FAIRFIELD

When: Today, 3:30 p.m.
Where: Arena at Harbor Yard (5,298), Bridgeport, Conn.
TV: SNY (Bob Huessler, Joe DeSantis)
Radio: TALK 1300-AM (Robert Lee, Andy Grazulis)
2011-12 Records: Siena (5-7, 10-12) Fairfield (7-4, 12-10)
Last Meeting: Siena 73, Fairfield 60 at Times Union Center, Albany, on Jan. 6, 2012 — Siena leads the all-time series 31-25

PROBABLE STARTING LINEUPS
SIENA

No., Name, Pos., Yr., Ht., Avg.
5, Evan Hymes, G, Fr., 5-8, 14.2

3, Kyle Downey, G, Sr., 6-2, 12.5

31, Owen Wignot, F, Jr., 6-8, 5.9

1, OD Anosike, F, Jr., 6-8, 15.2

0, Brandon Walters, C, Sr., 6-8, 6.4

FARIFIELD

No., Name, Pos., Yr., Ht., Avg.
11, Desmond Wade, G, Jr., 5-8, 6.6
3, Derek Needham, G, Jr., 5-11, 12.0
15, Maurice Barrow, F, So., 6-5, 8.9
21, Rakim Sanders, F, Sr., 6-5, 16.2
34, Ryan Olander, C, Sr., 7-0, 9.5

MAAC STANDINGS

School, Conference, Overall
Iona, 11-2, 19-5
Loyola (Md), 10-2, 17-5

Manhattan, 10-3, 17-8
Farifield, 7-4, 12-10
Rider, 6-6, 9-15
Siena, 5-7, 10-12
Niagara, 4-8, 9-15
Saint Peter’s, 4-8, 5-18
Marist, 3-9, 8-15
Canisius, 1-12, 4-19

Saturday’s Scores

Iona 85, Manhattan 73
Marist 80, Canisius 69

Today’s Games

Loyola (Md.) at Saint Peter's, 12 p.m.
Niagara at Rider, 1 p.m.
Siena at Fairfield, 3:30 p.m.

ALBANY - Stony Brook proved they were the better team on this night.

In a very physical, very entertaining game, the Seawolves showed why they are in first place in the America East Conference, taking down the University at Albany 76-69, on Saturday evening, at a soldout SEFCU Arena.

Stony Brook (10-1, 15-7) overcame a three-point halftime deficit, getting a team-high 17 points from sophomore guard Dave Coley.

The Great Danes (7-4, 15-10) still haven't beaten one of the top three teams in the league, losing for the fourth time to Stony Brook, Vermont and Boston University, which they host Monday at SEFCU Arena.

UAlbany drops to 10-5 all-time in Big Purple Growl games.

The Great Danes women's team won the first game of the doubleheader, taking down Stony Brook 57-47, to improve to 9-2 in league play.

ALBANY - Both teams had their runs in the first half and it was an exciting 20 minutes of basketball.

Gerardo Suero, the nation's sixth leading scorer, was held off the scoreboard for the game's first eight minutes, but he ended with 11 points to lead all scorers.

Bryan Dougher leads the Seawolves with eight points.

Stony Brook has only lost one America East Conference game this season and UAlbany seems to be ignited by a huge crowd here for the 15th annual Big Purple Growl.

The Seawolves enjoyed the biggest lead in the first half, going up 19-11, following a Dougher 3-pointer.

The Great Danes came right back, going on a 12-2 run, getting an acrobatic three-point play from Suero, to take a 23-21 lead.

J.S. Carras/The Record

This is a game that plenty of people should be looking forward too.

It will also be a hard ticket to come by, as it was reported that by mid-afternoon on Friday, there was only 150 tickets remaining.

UAlbany has a chance to make a statement on Saturday and in the process, try to draw a game closer to first-place Stony Brook.

If the Seawolves win, it all but ends the Great Danes' chance of winning the regular season title, as UAlbany would fall three games behind and lose the tiebreaker, in essence four games back, with five to play.

Stony Brook have lost just one of its last 12 games and that came at Boston University, on Jan. 14, in a 61-55 setback.

15TH ANNUAL BIG PURPLE GROWL
UALBANY VS. STONY BROOK

When: Tonight, 7 p.m.
Where: SEFCU Arena (4,538), Albany 
TV: Time Warner-3
Radio: WOFX 980-AM
2011-12 Records: Stony Brook (9-1, 14-7) UAlbany (7-3, 15-9)
Last Meeting: Stony Brook 81, UAlbany 68 at Pritchard Gymnasium, Stony Brook, on Jan. 8, 2012 — UAlbany leads the all-time series 35-21
Notable: UAlbany is 10-4 all-time in Growl Games. Women’s Game vs. Stony Brook tips at 4:30 p.m.

PROBABLE STARTING LINEUPS
STONY BROOK

No.    Name    Pos.    Yr.    Ht.,    Avg.
10    Bryan Dougher    G    Sr     6-1     14.0
5    Dave Coley     G    So.     6-2    9.6
24     Tommy Brenton     G/F     Jr.     6-5    7.8
23    Dallis Joyner    F     Sr.    6-7    8.0
21    Al Rapier    F     Sr.     6-8     9.0 

UALBANY

No.    Name     Pos.    Yr.    Ht.,    Avg.   
10    Mike Black    G     Jr.    6-0    13.0
2    Logan Aronhalt     G     Jr.    6-3     15.9
20    Gerardo Suero     G     Jr.    6-4    21.6
11    Luke Devlin     F     So.    6-8     6.3
21    Blake Metcalf     C     Jr.    6-8     4.1 

AMERICA EAST STANDINGS

School    Conference    Overall
Stony Brook    9-1    14-7
Vermont    8-2    14-10
UAlbany    7-3    15-9
Boston U.     7-3     11-13
Maine     4-5     10-10
Hartford    4-6    4-18
New Hampshire     2-7    3-18
UMBC     2-7     3-18
Binghamton    0-10     0-22

Today’s Games

Hartford at Vermont, 1 p.m.
Maine at UMBC, 3:30 p.m.
Stony Brook at UAlbany, 7 p.m.
Boston U. at Binghamton, 7 p.m.

Junior point guard Mike Black talks about the upcoming game against Stony Brook and the 15th annual Big Purple Growl.

ALBANY - The Siena men's basketball team let one slip away on Friday evening.

Up 16 points in the first half, the Saints scored just 12 points in the game's final 11 minutes, falling 63-58 to Saint Peter's.

The Peacocks (4-8, 5-18) swept the Saints (5-7, 10-12) this season and have now took all four meetings from the past two seasons.

The last team to sweep Siena two years in a row was when Marist did so three years in a row, from 2004-07.

OD Anosike's stretch of 17 consecutive double-doubles ended, as he finished with nine points and a game-high 13 rebounds.

Darius Conley led four Saint Peter's players in double figures with 15 points.

The Peacocks went on an 18-3 run over an eight-minute span to take the lead for good. Saint Peter's scored 44 points in the second half and shot an incredible 63.6 percent (14-22) from the field.

The Saints head back out on the road on Sunday, when they take on Fairfield, at 3:30 p.m.