AP

There are various reports confirming that Robert Morris head coach Andy Toole is visiting Siena today.

He is the first candidate to visit the Loudonville campus, although Athletic Director John D'Argenio has met with VCU assistant Mike Rhoades.

Andy Toole was an assistant at Robert Morris under Mike Rice, but took over when Rice left for Rutgers. Toole is just 32-years-old and coming off a huge NIT victory over Kentucky, nine days ago. Toolie is 68-36 as the Colonials head man.

Other info coming out today is that Dave Paulsen has signed an extension at Bucknell and that Florida International coach Richard Pitino won't be coming to Siena.

Siena senior O.D. Anosike will be playing for the Elite Under-22 USA team this weekend, just outside of Paris.

He headed home to Staten Island from Siena on Tuesday evening and departs for France on Wednesday evening.

Here is a link to the story, which appeared in Wednesday's paper.

Below is video of Anosike talking about getting the opportunity to play for his country.

AP

After leading his team to an America East championship, University at Albany men's basketball coach Will Brown has reportedly been offered a contract extension.

Director of Athletics Lee McElroy said it would be a four-year extension, which including the year already on his contract, would have Brown with UAlbany through the 2017-18 season.

The Great Danes finished 24-10 in 2012-13, losing to Duke in the NCAA tournament's round of 64.

Brown, who just finished his 12th season with the Great Danes, hasn't signed anything yet, but he tweeted on Tuesday, "Getting ready to board this plane. A lot of travel this week. #recruiting".

One open job that could interest the Long Island native is Hofstra. 

It happened a couple of days ago, but the University at Albany women's basketball team nearly upset North Carolina in the first round of the women's basketball NCAA tournament.

The Great Danes led at halftime and in the second half, but just didn't have enough to pull out the win and the Tar Heels advanced to Tuesday's matchup with Delaware and Elena Delle Donne. 

AP

PHILADELPHIA - Here are some videos following the 73-61 Duke victory over the University at Albany.

AP

PHILADELPHIA - The University at Albany gave it all they had on Friday afternoon.

They trailed by just nine with 2:40 to play, but couldn't overcome the firepower of the Duke offense.

The Blue Devils got 26 points from Seth Curry and 23 more from Mason Plumlee, to advance to the next round of the NCAA tournament.

Jacob Iati led four Great Danes in double figures with 15 points. Mike Black  scored 10 points in his final collegiate game.

UAlbany sees its winningest season come to an end with 24 victories and drops to 0-3 in the NCAA tournament all-time.

Duke ended a two-game NCAA tournament losing streak and advances to Sunday's game against either Creighton or Cincinnati.

AP

AP

PHILADELPHIA - The University at Albany got behind early, but held it together in the first half against Duke.

The Great Danes cut lead to five, with an 8-0 run, but the Blue Devils scored the final four points to have a nine-point halftime lead, 35-26.

Duke shot really well in the first half, going 12-20 (60%) from the field. The Blue Devils are led by Seth Curry, who has 12 points.

UAlbany got a boost from Luke Devlin, who has seven points, while Jacob Iati also has seven. It was needed because Sam Rowley got into foul trouble and currently has three fouls.

When Iati and Mike Black hit back-to-back three's, the Great Danes only trailed 31-26. 

AP

PHILADELPHIA - The University at Albany takes to the floor against Duke in just about an hour.

The Great Danes (24-10) are playing in just their third NCAA tournament game, also reaching this point in 2006 & 2007.

The Blue Devils (27-5) are a regular to this, having won four national title, most recently in 2010.

The game can be seen on CBS, at 12:15 p.m. 

Here are the stories from today's paper.

UAlbany players believe they have chance against Duke

UAlbany players know all abut Duke mystique

UAlbany Notes: Duke Coach K has special bond with Capital District

AP

PHILADELPHIA - Here are some pictures from the practice sessions of the University at Albany, from the Associated Press.

PHILADELPHIA - Below are videos from today's practice day at Wells Fargo Center.

PHILADELPHIA - I've arrived at Wells Fargo Center.

The University at Albany men's basketball team is set to met with the media at 11:20 a.m. and practice at noon. Duke is scheduled to meet with the media at 1:05 p.m. and practice at 1:30 p.m.

Check back here and to me on twitter @AndrewSantillo for updates throughout the day.

Below are links to stories from today's paper.

Great Danes have fond memories of Philadelphia

Mike Black gave UAlbany his best shot

UAlbany Notes: Pres. Obama has no love for Danes

University at Albany senior guard Mike Black talks about the team's trip to the NCAA tournament, just before the team departs for Philadelphia.

The Great Danes (24-10) take on Duke (27-5) on Friday, at 12:15 p.m.

University at Albany coach Will Brown talks about the upcoming NCAA tournament matchup against Duke.

The Great Danes (24-10) and Blue Devils (27-5) meet in Philadelphia, on Friday, at 12:15 p.m.

On top of all the game prep, ever since the University at Albany won the America East championship on Saturday, coach Will Brown has been inundated with media requests.

Just on Monday alone, Brown was on with Mike Francesa and did a call-in interview on ESPNU, with Andy Katz, in addition to thers.

SID Jonathon Gasparoni was kind enough to send over what interviews Brown has done since Sunday.

Sunday, Mar. 17
ESPN Radio with Freddie Coleman
Peter Brown Show on Yahoo Sports Radio
Fox Sports National Radio
ESPN Radio with Bob Valvano

Monday, Mar. 18
Fly 92.3 with Brian Cody
Fox Sports 980 with Rodger Wyland
Mike Francesa Show
Katz Korner with Andy Katz on ESPNU
104.5 ESPN the Team

Tuesday, Mar. 19
99.9 The Fan (Duke Radio)
620 The Buzz (Duke Radio)
CollegeHoopsDaily.com with John Teitel

UAlbany senior Blake Metcalf talks about the upcoming NCAA tournament matchup against Duke.

The Great Danes (24-10) play the Blue Devils (27-5) on Friday, in Philadelphia, at 12:15 p.m.

The University at Albany and Duke will kick off the NCAA tournament coverage on Friday afternoon.

The Great Danes (24-10) and Blue Devils (27-5) play at 12:15 p.m., with Kevin Harlan and Len Elmore on the call.

Below are all the games and times.


FIRST FOUR GAMES
TUESDAY, MARCH 19
6:40, truTV, Dayton: NC A&T vs. Liberty (Albert/Kerr/Sager)
9:10, truTV, Dayton: Middle Tennessee State vs. St. Mary's (Albert/Kerr/Sager)
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20
6:40, truTV, Dayton: LIU Brooklyn vs. James Madison (Nantz/Kellogg/Wolfson)
9:10, truTV, Dayton: Boise State vs. La Salle (Nantz/Kellogg/Wolfson)

ROUND OF 64 GAMES
THURSDAY AFTERNOON, MARCH 21
12:15, CBS, Auburn Hills: No. 3 Michigan State vs. No. 14 Valpo (Lundquist/Raftery/Nichols)
12:40, truTV, Lexington: No. 6 Butler vs. No. 11 Bucknell (Eagle/Spanarkel/LaForce)
1:40, TBS, Salt Lake City: No. 8 Pittsburgh vs. No. 9 Wichita State (Dedes/Gottlieb/Maggio)
2:10, TNT, San Jose: No. 4 Saint Louis vs. No. 13 NM State. (Anderson/Bonner/Snider)
****
2:45, CBS, Auburn Hills: No. 6 Memphis vs. MTSU/SMC winner (Lundquist/Raftery/Nichols)
3:10, truTV, Lexington: No. 3 Marquette vs. No. 14 Davidson (Eagle/Spanarkel/LaForce)
4:10, TBS, Salt Lake City: No. 1 Gonzaga vs. No. 16 Southern (Dedes/Gottlieb/Maggio)
4:40, TNT, San Jose: No. 5 Oklahoma State vs. No. 12 Oregon (Anderson/Bonner/Snider)
THURSDAY EVENING, MARCH 21
6:50, TBS, Lexington: No. 1 Louisville vs. NC A&T-Liberty winner
7:15, CBS, Auburn Hills: No. 4 Michigan vs. No. 13 South Dakota State
7:20, TNT, Salt Lake City: No. 6 Arizona vs. No. 11 Belmont
7:27, truTV, San Jose: No. 5 UNLV vs. No. 12 California
****
9:20, TBS, Lexington: No. 8 Colorado State vs. No. 9 Missouri
9:45, CBS, Auburn Hills: No. 5 VCU vs. No. 12 Akron
9:45, TNT, Salt Lake City: No. 3 New Mexico vs. No. 14 Harvard
9:57, truTV, San Jose: No. 4 Syracuse vs. No. 13 Montanta

FRIDAY AFTERNOON, MARCH 22 

12:15, CBS, Philadelphia: No. 2 Duke vs. No. 15 Albany (Harlan/Elmore/Miller/Johnson)
12:40, truTV, Kansas City: No. 5 Wisconsin vs. No. 12 Ole Miss (Albert/Kerr/Sager)
1:40, TBS, Dayton: No. 8 NC State vs. No. 9 Temple (Nantz/Kellogg/Wolfson)
2:10, TNT, Austin: No. 2 Miami vs. No. 15 Pacific (Brando/Gminski/Livingston)
****
2:45, CBS, Philadelphia: No. 7 Creighton vs. No. 10 Cincy (Harlan/Elmore/Miller/Johnson)
3:10, truTV, Kansas City: No. 4 K-State vs. Boise State-La Salle winner (Albert/Kerr/Sager)
4:10, TBS, Dayton: No. 1 Indiana vs. LIU Brooklyn-JMU winner (Nantz/Kellogg/Wolfson)
4:40, TNT, Austin: No. 7 Illinois vs. No. 10 Colorado (Brando/Gminski/Livingston)
FRIDAY EVENING, MARCH 22
6:50, TBS, Philly: No. 2 G'town vs. No. 15 Fla. Gulf Coast (Harlan/Elmore/Miller/Johnson)
7:15, CBS, Dayton: No. 2 Ohio State vs. No. 15 Iona (Nantz/Kellogg/Wolfson)
7:20, TNT, Kansas City: No. 8 North Carolina vs. No. 9 Villanova (Albert/Kerr/Sager)
7:27, truTV, Austin: No. 3 Florida vs. No. 14 N'western St. (Brando/Gminski/Livingston)
****
9:20, TBS, Philadelphia: No. 7 San Diego St. vs. No. 10 OU (Harlan/Elmore/Miller/Johnson)
9:45, CBS, Dayton: No. 7 Notre Dame vs. No. 10 Iowa State (Nantz/Kellogg/Wolfson)
9:50, TNT, Kansas City: No. 1 Kansas vs. No. 16 Western Kentucky (Albert/Kerr/Sager)
9:57, truTV, Austin: No. 6 UCLA vs. No. 11 Minnesota (Brando/Gminski/Livingston)

Below is video of the reaction of the UAlbany men's basketball team to hearing its name called. The Great Danes will play Duke, on Friday, in Philadelphia.



Below is guard Jacob Iati talking about the pairing.

ALBANY - The University at Albany found out its opponent for the NCAA tournament on Sunday evening.

The Great Danes (24-10) received a No. 15 seed and will play No. 2 Duke (27-5) in Philadelphia on Friday. The time will be announced later.

The game will be played in the Wells Fargo Center, the same arena UAlbany played at in the 2006 NCAA tournament, when the Great Danes nearly took down No. 1 seed Connecticut (it was called the Wachovia Center).

BURLINGTON, Vt. - The UAlbany men's basketball team is back in the NCAA tournament.

The Great Danes will make the third NCAA trip in program history (all since 2006), following a 53-49 victory over Vermont on Saturday.

Below, the team celebrates as the buzzer sounds.



Below, coach Will Brown talks about the victory.

BURLINGTON, Vt. - Luke Devlin sat with an Australian flag draped around his neck at the postgame press conference and waited his turn to answer some questions.

Devlin waited his turn for much of the season and Saturday was his time.

Devlin shot 6-6 from the field, finished with 12 points, five rebounds and two steals in 20 minutes, as the University at Albany defeated Vermont, 53-49, and punched its ticket to the NCAA tournament. 

“Devlin was good," said Vermont coach John Becker. "He made shots.”

Devlin was an all-rookie selection his freshman year, but last season he struggled and this year, he's had his difficulties and found himself behind Blake Metcalf, John Puk and Sam Rowley. 

“Our bigs have played tremendous," Devlin said. "I've adjusted to my role coming off the bench and I've been happy with that because we've been winning. I just got the opportunity to play a bit more tonight and knock down some shots.”

Devlin took advantage of being less of a priority of the Vermont defense. He was able to make jumpers and finishing easy looks from his tammates.

“He just made shots," said Vermont's Luke Apfeld. "Even when we did a good job of rotating, he just made good, contested shots.”

 

Despite being outrebounded 37-21, the Great Danes big men asserted themselves and didn't allow the Catamounts any easy baskets.

“I thought we were aggressive," said UAlbany coach Will Brown. "I thought we were physical.”

BURLINGTON, Vt. - The University at Albany Great Danes are dancing.

For the third time in school history, UAlbany is America East tournament champions and snags the conference's bid to the NCAA tournament. The Great Danes got some big 3-pointers from Jacob Iati and knocked off Vermont, 53-49, at Patrick Gym.

UAlbany will find out its opponent during tomorrow's selection show, which is at 6 p.m.

BURLINGTON, Vt. - The University at Albany couldn't have started the America East championship game any worse.

They also couldn't have responded any better.

After falling behind 10-0 to Vermont, the Great Danes went on an 11-0 run of their own. They added another 10-0 run later in the half and have a 28-20 lead at halftime.

One of these teams is just one half away from an America East tournament title crown and punching a trip to the NCAA tournament.

Mike Black led the way with 11 points and in doing so, moved into fifth on the school's all-time scoring list. UAlbany also got great play from Luke Devlin, who scored six points and grabbed two rebounds.

Clancy Rugg has six points to lead the Catamounts.

BURLINGTON, Vt. - I woke early and have arrived at the University of Vermont's Patrick Gym for today's America East championship game.

UAlbany (23-10) and Vermont (21-10) battle for a spot in the NCAA tournament. The game starts at 11:30 a.m., and can be seen on ESPN2.

The Great Danes have never lost in the America East championship game, beating Vermont twice. The Catamounts are the defending tournament champions, beating Stony Brook last season.

As a fourth seed, UAlbany would be the lowest seed in America East history to capture the tournament title.

Mike Black is just nine points away from moving into fifth on the program's all-time scoring list. He currently has 1,518 points.

Below is a picture of the gym, two hours before game time. It will look much different soon. 

ALBANY - From the first day of open gym for the University at Albany men's basketball team, Gary Johnson stood out to his teammates.

A 6-foot-6 junior college transfer, Johnson showed he was athletic and capable of playing big minutes for the Great Danes.

That didn't happen right away, however.

But over the past three weeks, Johnson has become an invaluable piece of the puzzle for UAlbany, which plays at Vermont, in the America East Conference championship game on Saturday, at 11:30 a.m.

“He’s a guy that doesn’t need the ball to be effective," said UAlbany coach Will Brown.

Johnson has started the past five games for the Great Danes, including both games in the America East tournament. In those games, he was matched up against the league's leading scorer, in Maine's Justin Edwards and the conference's MVP, in Stony Brook's Tommy Brenton.

“They gave me an assignment and I took it personal," Johnson said. "I have pride in my defense. It was fun playing against Justin Edwards and Tommy Brenton because they’re both aggressive and good players. I’m just happy we got the ‘W’.”

Over the past 11 games, Johnson is averaging 6.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, 0.8 steals and 0.8 assists per game in 22.5 minutes.

Over the team's first 22 games, Johnson played a total of just 54 minutes and compiled stats of nine points, 10 rebounds, two steals and two assists.

“I think he was trying to pick up on everything that we were doing and adjust to this level of basketball," said guard Jacob Iati.

An injury to all-rookie selection Peter Hooley, allowed Johnson to step into the starting lineup. When Hooley returned, the duo has been used effectively by Coach Brown.

“Having him and Pete Hooley on the wing is an awesome advantage for us," said Iati.

Johnson's athleticism couldn't be questioned, but he was trying to get familiar with this level of basketball.

“At the beginning of the year, it was a big transition from junior college to Division I," he said. "The coaches told me that and at first, I didn’t understand. But now I understand and I’m just happy I can have an impact on the team.”

Johnson just kept working and it all culminated in the big victory over Stony Brook, where he had nine points and four rebounds, in the 61-59 victory, which resulted in the crowd storming the SEFCU Arena court.

“It was the funniest game I’ve ever played in," he said.

Now, the Great Danes are just one win from the NCAA tournament and Johnson is hoping he can do whatever it takes to help his team win the America East title.

"We want to win this game bad," he said. "It's not going to be easy. We know it's going to be a tough game, but we're prepared."

University at Albany senior Ebone Henry talks about the upcoming women's America East championship game, which pits the Great Danes against Hartford.

UAlbany hosts the game at SEFCU Arena, on Saturday, at 7 p.m.

University at Albany guard Jacob Iati talks about the upcoming America East championship game, where the Great Danes meet Vermont, at 11:30 a.m., on Saturday.

Siena Athletic Director John D'Argenio talks about the decision to fire men's basketball coach Mitch Buonaguro and where the program goes from here

The Siena men's basketball team will have a new coach. 

The school announced its decision today to part ways with coach Mitch Buonaguro, who still had one season remaining in his four-year contract. 

Athletic Director John D'Argenio will meet with the media at 3:30 this afternoon, to discuss the decision. You can watch the press conference here.

Buonaguro was an assistant under coach Fran McCaffery for five years, before taking over the head coaching spot before the 2010-11 season, when McCaffery left for Iowa. 

"I'm very grateful for the opportunity Siena gave me," Buonaguro said, in the school's release. "It's a very special place, and I've thorughly enjoyed my eight years here. The student athletes we have brought through the program are people the Siena community can be very proud of. We had some great success here, and although the last three years did not produce the results any of us hoped for on the court, I leave knowing I gave my all every day. This is a program I care deeply about, and I wish Siena nothing but the best in the future."
 

The University at Albany is headed to the America East championship game, following a thrilling 61-59 victory over top-seeded Stony Brook.

Below, Mike Black's scored the game-winning basket with 2.4 seconds to play and then the crowd storms the court at SEFCU Arena.  



Here, Black talks about the victory.

ALBANY - The University at Albany started slowly in the first half, but finished the first 20 minutes well.

The Great Danes lead 28-22, and are just 20 minutes from a spot in the championship game.

UAlbany was led by Jacob Iati, who has seven points, while Mike Black added six.

Jameel Warney leads all scorers with eight points for Stony Brook. The half is the second lowest scoring output for the Seawolves, behind scoring 21 in first half against Manhattan, on Jan. 1. Stony Brook shot just 27 percent (8-29) from the floor.

The University at Albany advanced back to the America East championship game on Sunday afternoon, with a 71-57 win over New Hampshire.

Below senior Lindsey Lowrie talks about the win and the championship game, which will be against Hartford, next Saturday.



Senior Julie Forster talks about the victory.

ALBANY - The University at Albany women's basketball team is headed back to the America East championship game.

The Great Danes won their 18th straight game and 28th consecutive matchup against league foes, besting New Hampshire 71-57, at SEFCU Arena.

UAlbany will host Hartford next Saturday, March 16, at 7 p.m.

Lindsey Lowrie scored a game-high 18 points, while Ebone Henry chipped in 13, but made just one field goal.

The Wildcats were led by Kaylee Kilpatrick, who scored a team-high 17 points.

ALBANY - The University at Albany women's team didn't play like the top seed in the first half, but they have the lead nonetheless.

Julie Forster scored seven and the Great Danes finished the half on a 12-2 run, to go to the break with a 32-26 lead.

Cari Reed helped keep New Hampshire in it, scoring 12 points, while Kaylee Kilpatrick added eight off the bench.

The winner will meet Hartford, next Saturday at 7 p.m.

ALBANY - The University of Hartford had little trouble dispatching of Vermont in the first women's semifinal at the America East tournament on Saturday.

Ruthanne Doherty led the way with 13 points for the Hawks, which will meet either UAlbany or New Hampshire in next Saturday's title game.

Redshirt freshman Katie Roth, a Maple Hill grad, scored seven points, grabbed six rebounds, had a steal and an assist for Hartford.

"It's pretty great to come back to my hometown and play in front of people I played with in high school and coaches," she said.

Below, Maine's Justin Edwards misses two shots in the final minutes, as UAlbany clings to a 50-49 lead.



UAlbany sophomore Sam Rowley talks about the victory which sends the Great Danes to the semifinals, where they will meet Stony Brook, at 7 p.m., on Sunday.

ALBANY - Somehow the University at Albany pulled out a victory on Saturday evening.

The Great Danes trailed for the first 37 minutes, but Sam Rowley scored his team's final eight points to lead them to a 50-49 victory over Maine.

UAlbany now faces Stony Brook in the America East semifinals, on Sunday, at 7 p.m.

ALBANY - In a bit of a shocker, Maine played a very good first half on UAlbany's home floor.

The Black Bears got 10 points from Justin Edwards and lead 33-24 at intermission.

The Great Danes got seven points from Jacob Iati.

Below Siena coach Mitch Buonaguro and senior O.D. Anosike talk about the 74-62 loss to Niagara in the MAAC quarterfinals. 



Anosike talks about the game and his career.

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - It was a valiant effort, but Siena didn't have enough firepower to stay with top-seeded Niagara on Saturday.

The Purple Eagles just had too much offense and advanced to the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference semifinals, with a 74-62 victory on Saturday afternoon.

The loss marks the final game for Siena senior O.D. Anosike, who finished with 13 points and 10 rebounds.

Antoine Mason led all scorer with 21 points, while Juan'ya Green added 15.

The Saints finish the season at 8-24, tying the program mark for most losses in a season.

Following three consecutive losing seasons, the question now is will coach Mitch Buonaguro be back for a fourth season as the head coach.

"I'm the coach," he said. "I have a contract through next year and I'll see what happens."

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - A wild and entertaining half of basketball is in the books.

Either Niagara or Siena is just 20 minutes from the semifinals.

The first half saw a little bit of everything, as the Saints trail 32-31. They are in good position, which could be even better if they hadn't missed eight free throws.

Evan Hymes and Rob Poole each have nine points for Siena.

Antonie Mason leads the Purple Eagles with eight. Antoine's father, Anthony Mason, a former New York Knicks forward, is in attendance.

It was a physical half, with 20 fouls being called, including a technical to Rakeem Brookins.

Niagara lost starter Tahjere McCall early, when he tried to make a move and grabbed at his knee.

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - Siena men's coach Mitch Buonaguro talks about the 70-64 victory over Marist in the first round of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference tournament.

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - The Siena men's basketball team will play another day.

The Saints topped Marist 70-64, in a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference first round game on Friday evening, at MassMutual Center.

Senior O.D. Anosike led the way, scoring 24 points and grabbing 12 rebounds for Siena, which takes on top-seeded Niagara, on Saturday at 2:30 p.m.

Chavaughn Lewis scored 24 points, while Jay Bowie added 16 points for the Red Foxes.

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - Like the first two meetings this season, the first half was pretty even and pretty intense.

Davis Martens' free throw gives the Saints a 32-31 lead at halftime.

O.D. Anosike scored 12 points to lead the Saints, but it was Chavaughn Lewis leading all scorers with 14 points for the Red Foxes.

The Saints shot 52 percent (13-25) from the field, but that may not be a great thing since they only lead by one.

The America East men's awards were handed out on Friday evening.

The big winners were all from Stony Brook, as the Seawolves took home the Coach of the Year (Steve Pikiell), Player of the Year (Tommy Brenton) and Rookie of the Year (Jameel Warney).

University at Albany senior guard Mike Black was named to the first team, along with Brenton, D.J. Irving (Boston University), Mark Nwakamma, Brian Voelkel (Vermont).

The Great Danes also saw Peter Hooley be named to the all-rookie team and both Jacob Iati and Sam Rowley were named to the all-academic team. 

Below are the rest of the awards.

1ST-TEAM ALL-LEAGUE: Mike Black, D.J. Irving, Mark Nwakamma, Tommy Brenton, Brian Voelkel.

2ND-TEAM ALL-LEAGUE: Justin Edwards, Alasdair Fraser, Ryan Cook, Jameel Warney, Clancy Rugg. 

3RD-TEAM ALL-LEAGUE: Jordan Reed, Dom Morris, Maurice Watson Jr,, Dave Coley, Sandro Carissimo.

ALL-DEFENSIVE: Mike Allison, Jameel Warney, Dave Coley, Tommy Brenton, Brian Voelkel.

ALL-ROOKIE: Peter Hooley, Jordan Reed, John Papale, Maurice Watson Jr., Jameel Warney.

ACADEMIC TEAM: Jacobi Iati, Sam Rowley Luke Apfeld, Sandro Carissimo, Scott Morris.

Below is video of Siena coach Ali Jaques talking about her team's 52-48 quarterfinal victory over Fairfield in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference quarterfinals.

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - The Siena women's basketball team has advanced to the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference semifinals.

The Saints led the entire second half, downing Fairfield, 52-48, in the quarterfinals on Friday afternoon. Siena advances to take on No. 2 seed Iona, at 9:30 a.m., on Saturday morning.

The victory marks the first MAAC postseason win for Saints coach Ali Jaques.

“That was a really hard-fought win. We’re happy to be here for another day," she said. 

Senior Lily Grenci led the way with 17 points and nine rebounds, while Kanika Cummings came off the bench to scored 12 points. Cummings scored seven of her team's final 10 points, hitting some huge shots, including a 3-pointer with three minutes to play.

It was close down the stretch, as the Saints (13-17) missed four free throws in the final 1:17, but they hung on for the win.

The Stags (17-13) were led by Brittany Obi-Tabot, who scored 14 points and grabbed a game-high 12 rebounds, while Alexys Vazquez finished with a team-high 15 points.

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - The Siena women's basketball team is just one half from the semifinals.

Lily Grenci scored 15 points in the first 20 minutes, as the Saints lead Fairfield 31-27.

Katie Cizynski led the Stags with 10 points.

Siena shot 50 percent (13-26) from the field and led by as many as 11 points.

University at Albany senior Ebone Henry talks about the America East co-Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year.

ALBANY - They should have just named to America East awards banquet, the University at Albany awards banquet.

On Thursday evening, the Great Danes cleaned up, winning all of the major awards.

Senior Ebone Henry was named co-Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year, while coach Katie Abrahamson-Henderson was named Coach of the Year. Freshman Shereesha Richards took home co-Rookie of the Year, while Julie Forster was named to first team, the all-defensive team and the all-academic team.

The top-seeded Great Danes play in the conference semifinals, on Sunday, at 1 p.m.

The America East Conference announced on Monday evening that the Maine women's team will not participate in the 2013 America East tournament, this weekend at SEFCU Arena, in Albany.

The decision comes in the wake of the Feb. 26 bus accident, in which the Black Bears were traveling to Boston University, when the bus went off of Interstate 95, near Georgetown, Mass. Coach Richard Barron and Athletic Director Steve Abbott spoke with the student-athletes before notifying the league of its decision.

"It has been a difficult time for these student-athletes following the accident," says Robert Dana, Maine's vice president for student affairs and dean of students. "Our focus has been and continues to be the health and well-being of these players in their athletic and academic lives"

Maine's absence means that the University at Albany will advance right into Sunday's semifinals.

"I feel for them," said UAlbany coach Katie Abrahamson-Henderson, who was an assistant at Maine from 1992-94. "That's something tough to go through."

The Great Danes will play Sunday, March 10, at 1 p.m., against the winner of the Stony Brook/New Hampshire game.

"I feel really bad for them," said UAlbany senior Ebone Henry. "I wouldn't want that to happen to any team."

Fans who have already purchased single-session or all-session passes will receive refunds and can also receive a $10 discount to a future America East championship event. The Stony Brook/New Hampshire quarterfinal will be moved up to 6 p.m., the original time of the UAlbany/Maine game. 

“We are very sympathetic to the traumatic event Maine women’s basketball has experienced,” said America East Commissioner Amy Huchthausen. “We entrust this decision to the experts and professionals on Maine’s campus to do what is best for the student-athletes, coaches and staff. The America East still looks forward to a great tournament in Albany this weekend.”

The All-MAAC men's awards were announced Monday afternoon. On Thursday, one of the first team selections and one of the all-rookie choices will be selected as MAAC Player and Rookie of the Year. The Coach of the Year will also be announced.

Siena senior O.D. Anosike was selected to the All-MAAC second team, despite leading his team in scoring and being second in the nation in rebounds per game (11.4). That snaps a seven-year run of Siena having at least one player on the All-MAAC first team. The last season no Siena player was on that list was 2004-05.

Here are the teams. 

FIRST TEAM ALL-MAAC
Billy Baron, Canisius
Lamont Jones, Iona
Dylon Cormier, Loyola
Erik Etherly, Loyola#
Juan'ya Green, Niagara
Antoine Mason, Niagara

SECOND TEAM ALL-MAAC
Derek Needham, Fairfield
Sean Armand, Iona
Rhamel Brown, Manhattan
Jonathon Thompson, Rider
O.D. Anosike, Siena

THIRD TEAM ALL-MAAC
Harold Washington, Canisius
David Laury, Iona
Adam Kemp, Marist
Chavaughn Lewis, Marist
Anthony Myles, Rider
Daniel Stewart, Rider

MAAC ALL-ROOKIE TEAM
Marcus Gilbert, Fairfield
Amadou Sidibe, Fairfield
Shane Richards, Manhattan
RaShawn Stores, Manhattan
T.J. Cline, Niagara

Below is the men's tournament bracket.

Siena plays Marist on Friday, at 7:30 p.m.

 

Below is the women's bracket. 

Siena plays Fairfield, at 11:30 a.m., on Friday morning. 

 

Below is the America East men's tournament bracket.

UAlbany takes on No. 5 Maine, on Saturday, at 8 p.m. 

Below is the women's bracket.

UAlbany takes on Maine, Friday evening, at 6 p.m.

Before the Siena men's basketball team takes the floor on Sunday, to end the regular season against Iona, the Saints know their opponents in the postseason tournament.

With Saint Peter's losing 78-61 to Niagara, the Peacocks are the No. 10 seed, meaning Siena will play in the No. 8/9 matchup.

Siena will play Marist (one team will be No. 8, the other will be No. 9) on Friday March 8, at 7:30 p.m.

The Red Foxes and Saints split the season series, with Marist winning on Friday, 76-74, in Albany.

If Siena can beat Marist on Friday, they would get regular-season champion Niagara on Saturday, at 2:30 p.m. The Purple Eagles finished the regular season 13-5, and swept the Saints in two meetings.

This is the Senior Night video for Siena's O.D. Anosike, which was played on the scoreboard before Friday's game against Marist.

ALBANY - Siena couldn't end Senior Night fittingly, as Marist spoiled what was a celebration of O.D. Anosike's career on Friday evening.

Adam Kemp scored 24 points and grabbed 14 rebounds for the Red Foxes (5-12, 9-20).

Anosike, who couldn't finish the game and was hooked up to an IV following the game, finished with 16 points and nine rebounds. Trenity Burdine scored a career-high 17 points.

The Saints (4-13, 7-22) finish the regular season on Sunday, when they play at Iona.