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.