Basketball Loses Season Series to New Hampshire in 62-53 League Loss at SEFCU Arena

Albany, N.Y. - Alvin Abreu had 15 of his 22 points in the second half as New Hampshire snapped a three-game losing streak with a 62-53 America East Conference victory over UAlbany on Tuesday, Feb. 9 at SEFCU Arena.

New Hampshire (9-13, AE 4-7) led 33-28 in the final period, but then took control with 12 of the game's next 14 points. Tyrone Conley, a junior guard who had 12 points, hit a drive from the left side and then dunked after making a steal to ignite that run. Abreu, who made 7 of 12 from the field, canned two 3-point field goals, including one from the right wing for a 45-30 lead with 12:29 remaining.

The Wildcats shot 57.1 percent from the field in the second half and led by double figures until the final two minutes. UAlbany (6-21, AE 1-11) closed to within eight when Will Harris made a turnaround on the right baseline. But the visitors used the free throw to hold off any comeback attempt.

"We couldn't score enough to win," said UAlbany coach Will Brown, whose team made 13-of-41 from the field. "Our defense was good enough to hold New Hampshire in the fifties until we started fouling at the end. But we missed layups and shot 1-for-13 from three."

New Hampshire led 27-22 at halftime by holding the Great Danes to 26.3-percent shooting in the period. UAlbany went scoreless for an early five-minute stretch, as the Wildcats built a 12-5 advantage. Colbey Santos put his team in front with a 3-pointer from the top of the arc. Conley added a pair of long-range jumpers, including one from the left corner off an inbounds play.

UAlbany trailed by as much as nine when Abreu made a 16-footer from right of the circle. The Great Danes got back into the fray with an 8-2 run. Freshman Mike Black, who totaled 14 points, connected on a left baseline drive. Harris sank two foul shots that closed the gap to 23-20. The 6-foot-5 senior finished with 12 points and five rebounds off the bench.

"It's frustrating, but it is something we need to get through," offered Harris, who scored in twin figures for the first time since Jan. 16th. "The way to get of it (poor shooting) is to be more aggressive. If we are more aggressive, then we will get more shots and eventually get a spurt."

Fran Urli, a 6'8" junior, had a career-high 14 points for the Great Danes, who suffered their eighth consecutive setback, the longest skid at the Division I level.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information