University of Albany Basketball's Mike Black Chosen America East Conference Rookie of the Week - UAlbany Sports 2010

Cambridge, Mass. - University at Albany's Mike Black has been selected America East Conference Rookie of the Week in men's basketball, as announced on Monday, Feb. 15 by the league office. Black was voted the conference's rookie award for the second consecutive week.

Black, a freshman from Chicago, Ill., averaged 14.5 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists in two games last week. The 6-foot guard scored 12 of his 15 points in the first half in leading his team to a 75-62 road win at UMBC on Feb. 13. Black made a career-high four 3-pointers and handed out four assists, as the Great Danes ended an eight-game slide. He also netted 14 points and grabbed a career-best five rebounds against New Hampshire on Feb. 9.

Black owns a four-game, double-figure scoring streak and is averaging 14.5 points in that span. He is contributing 6.6 points, 1.9 assists and 1.6 rebounds in 27 appearances this season.

Paw Prints: UAlbany halted three separate losing streaks in last Saturday's decision at UMBC ... the Great Danes' eight-game skid was their longest at the Division I level ... UAlbany ended a nine-game road loss skein and an 11-game conference road losing streak, dating back to Jan. 11, 2009 ... Tim Ambrose recorded his second career double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds at UMBC ... Ambrose has scored in twin figures 50 times as a collegian ... UAlbany meets Stony Brook at SEFCU Arena on Friday, Feb. 19 at 7:04 p.m. ... the contest will be televised on MSG-Plus (Time Warner Cable, Channel 26) and ESPN360.com ... UAlbany's senior class will be recognized in a pre-game ceremony.


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany's Tim Ambrose & Billy Allen Key To Men's Basketball Win Over Yale - UAlbany Sports 2010

Albany, N.Y. - Tim Ambrose had 22 points and Billy Allen came off the bench to score a career-high 21 as UAlbany snapped a four-game skid with an 89-68 victory over Yale on Sunday, Jan. 3 at SEFCU Arena. After eight consecutive road games, the Great Danes were playing at home for the first time since Nov. 22.

UAlbany (5-10) took control at the start of the second half with nine of the game's next 11 points. Ambrose, who made 9 of 16 from the field and had four assists and four steals, converted a driving one-hander, before freshman guard Mike Black canned a three-point field goal from the left corner. Ambrose later hit a left baseline jumper for a 48-35 cushion.

Still leading by the same margin, Allen connected on three of his five 3-pointers in a run that swelled the lead to 63-43 with 12:50 remaining. The 6-foot-6 sophomore, who made 8 of 9 from the floor and improved his career-best for the second straight game, buried a 3-pointer from the left side and then drilled a 24-footer from left of the key for a 20-point cushion. The Great Danes, who shot 52.9 percent in the final period, held a comfortable advantage the rest of the way.

"I am finally feeling like I did before the back surgery," said Allen, who missed the entire 2007-08 season due to the injury and has recently found his shooting touch. "The tough schedule has prepared us for what is to come. We picked it up with defensive pressure and then made some shots."

In the opening period, Yale (4-10) ripped off eight straight points to take a commanding 18-8 lead. Alex Zampier, who had 19 points in a return to his home area, made one of his four 3-pointers from the left wing off a screen. Greg Mangano scored on the left baseline from a driving Michael Grace to complete the run. The Bulldogs still had an 11-point cushion six minutes later when Austin Morgan nailed a three-pointer following Zampier's steal.

The Great Danes got back into the contest by employing full-court pressure and used a 14-2 outburst to go ahead. Ambrose, who had 12 first-half points, made a long-range jumper to ignite matters. Allen later canned another 3-pointer to close the gap to a single possession. Fran Urli, who had eight points and eight rebounds as a starter, sank two free throws and Allen made a one-handed bank shot from right the lane for a 32-31 lead. UAlbany finished the period with seven unanswered for a 39-33 margin at the break. Logan Aronhalt sank a 22-footer from the top of the arc and Ambrose hit a layup after stripping the ball from Zampier.

"Our defense got us more aggressive and gave us some easy opportunities offensively," explained UAlbany coach Will Brown, whose team was coming off a loss to ninth-ranked North Carolina to end a long road trip. "We have been practicing uptempo. They are starting to understand that it takes great energy to play that way and more guys are contributing."

Michael Sands, Reggie Willhite and Mangano each had 10 points for the Bulldogs, who suffered their fourth consecutive setback. UAlbany's Aronhalt, a redshirt freshman, and Scotty McRae added 13 and 10 points, respectively, off the bench.

"This was a boost for us, especially a win before the conference starts," offered Urli, whose squad hosts defending champion Binghamton on Thursday in the America East opener. "We played good team defense and things get easier when you make stops."

Paw Prints: UAlbany played its first home game in 42 days ... the Great Danes made 12 three-point field goals, their highest total since Jan. 21. 2007 against Hartford ... Billy Allen's five 3-pointers where the most by an individual since Louis Barraza had the same number against Vermont last Feb. 7 ... Logan Aronhalt tallied a career-high 13 points off the bench ... Tim Ambrose has scored 20 or more points on 13 occasions as a collegian ... Yale head coach James Jones played for the Great Danes and was an assistant under Richard Sauers from 1990-95 ... Time Warner Cable (TW3) televised the game in the Capital Region and part of upstate New York and western Massachusetts.


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Former UAlbany All-America Guard Jamar Wilson on CollegeInsider.com All-Decade Team

Albany, N.Y. - Former University at Albany All-America guard Jamar Wilson has been named to the CollegeInsider.com Mid-Major All-Decade basketball team. Wilson, a two-time Associated Press All-American, was one of 26 players chosen in consultation with Division I coaches and NBA scouts.

Wilson, the 2006 and 2007 America East Conference Player of the Year, led the Great Danes to a pair of conference championships and two NCAA Tournament appearances. He finished his career as the program's all-time scorer with 2,164 points and netted 20-plus points on 50 occasions. The 6-foot-1 guard was also second in career assists with 488.

Wilson, a native of Bronx, N.Y. and a graduate of Our Savior New American School, was named to the All-America East Conference squad four times, including three first-team selections. He twice was voted UAlbany's Male Athlete of the Year.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

UAlbany Men's Basketball Meets Defending NCAA Champion North Carolina on ESPNU Television

Chapel Hill, N.C. - UAlbany meets defending NCAA champion North Carolina on Wednesday, Dec. 30 at the Dean E. Smith Center. Tip-off is 7:00 p.m. The game will be televised nationally on ESPNU. Fans can also listen to the contest on Fox Sports 980, WOFX-AM, with Rodger Wyland and Greg Tobben handling the broadcast.

The Tar Heels are ranked No. 9 in both the Associated Press and ESPN/USA Today national polls. North Carolina (10-3) has a storied history with five NCAA titles, including the 2009 national championship, 18 Final Four appearances, 27 Atlantic Coast Conference regular-season titles and 17 ACC Tournament crowns.

Head coach Roy Williams has a 186-40 record in his seventh season at his alma mater. Williams, who has 604 career victories at the collegiate level, guided UNC to a 34-4 campaign one year ago en route to an NCAA title.

Deon Thompson, a 6'8" senior, is the team's top returning scorer and rebounder and a Wooden Award candidate. He is averaging 15.9 points and 7.6 rebounds. Marcus Ginyard (6'5") scores at an 11.0 clip and is one of the ACC's top defenders. The fifth-year senior was a medical redshirt last season. Ed Davis, a 6'10" sophomore, contributes 14.7 points, 9.9 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game. A preseason All-ACC selection, Davis is on the Naismith Award Watch List. Larry Drew II adds 8.3 points and 6.5 assists, the fourth-best mark among Division I players. The sophomore guard's father, a 10-year NBA veteran, is presently an Atlanta Hawks' assistant coach. Tyler Zeller, a 7-foot sophomore, also scores in twin figures at 10.5 points per game. North Carolina is second on the NCAA's all-time wins list with 1,993.

UAlbany (4-9) is playing its final opponent in a string of eight consecutive road dates, breaking the previous mark of five straight away games to start the 2004-05 season. The Great Danes, who are facing the defending national champion for the second year in a row, are battling its sixth team this season who earned a 2009 NCAA Tournament berth. Will Harris (15.4 ppg) and Tim Ambrose (15.1 ppg) are among the top scorers in the America East Conference. Senior guard Mike Johnson adds 8.0 points and a team-leading 3.6 assists. Scotty McRae is averaging 4.5 points and 4.5 rebounds since moving into the starting lineup on Dec. 8.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Men's Basketball Rebounds in 78-60 Victory Against Pennsylvania at the Historic Palestra - UAlbany Sports 2009

Philadelphia, Pa. - Tim Ambrose had 20 points and Will Harris added 19 in leading UAlbany to a 78-60 non-league road win against Pennsylvania on Tuesday, Dec. 8 at The Palestra. The Great Danes ended a three-game skid.

Pennsylvania (0-6) trailed 39-32 at the halftime, but started the final period with baskets by Darren Smith and Rob Belcore. UAlbany (4-6) was still ahead, 47-42, but then erupted with a string of 10 consecutive points. Mike Johnson, who had 15 points and seven assists, canned a jumper in the lane and Billy Allen delivered a three-point field goal in transition. Brett Gifford scored on a follow shot in the lane and Ambrose made a free throw to end the run.

The Great Danes, who made a season-best 54.1 percent from the field, on 33-of-61 shooting, pushed their margin to 20 with 7:45 remaining. Jake Lindfors scored off a second-chance opportunity and made a driving layup, before Ambrose sank two foul shots for a 65-45 advantage. UAlbany led by as much as 23 in the stretch.

"This was a straight scout game where we had to execute the game plan," explained UAlbany coach Will Brown, whose team posted its largest road win margin since Feb. 22, 2007. "Mike Johnson did a good job on (Zack) Rosen, who is the heart and soul of their team. We forced them to defend for long periods of time and kept them from making a run in the second half."

In the first half, UAlbany snapped an 8-8 tie when Johnson made a 3-pointer from the left wing and Fran Urli scored in transition. Penn closed the gap to 20-19 as Dan Monckton hit a slam dunk following a steal. The Great Danes sped away with seven unanswered. Johnson made a basket and Ambrose followed with a three-point play as he was fouled while making a 16-footer in the circle. UAlbany held that eight-point margin for much of the period by shooting 51.5 percent from the floor.

"We have a shot to be a good team if we are focused and execute," said Johnson, whose squad struggled in a 29-point loss three days ago. "We gained some confidence (with this win), but we need to keep playing defense and take care of the ball."

Jack Eggleston had 15 points for the Quakers, who were held to 42-percent shooting. Mike Howlett and Rosen had 10 apiece. UAlbany's Harris, who is averaging more than 20 points in his last five starts, made 8-of-14 from the field and added six rebounds.


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Men's Basketball Upended By Central Florida's Late Rally in 76-72 Decision at UCF Arena - UAlbany Sports 2009

Orlando, Fla. - Dave Diakite scored 21 points and made a key steal with 3.6 seconds remaining to lift Central Florida to a 76-72 victory over UAlbany on Saturday, Nov. 28 at UCF Arena.

UAlbany (3-4) took a 72-71 lead when freshman Blake Metcalf made a short jumper in the lane. Central Florida (5-1) answered when junior guard Taylor Young was fouled as he converted a left-hand drive from the top of the key. Young, who had 10 points, completed the three-point play with a free throw.

The Great Danes, who led throughout most of the second half, had several opportunities to regain the lead in the final minutes, including Tim Ambrose's missed three-point field goal and baseline jumper. With 4.6 seconds remaining, UAlbany guard Mike Johnson attempted to inbound the ball to a cutting Fran Urli in the lane. But Diakite broke up the pass and then sank two free throws to seal the outcome.

The Knights, who compete in Conference USA and own early-season wins over Auburn and Massachusetts, trailed by as much as six early in the second half. Ambrose, who netted 17 of his 25 points after the break, gave his club a 53-47 advantage as he hit a layup after Metcalf grabbed an offensive rebound. Central Florida regrouped with seven straight points and went ahead, 54-53, when A.J. Rompza drilled a three-point field goal from the right corner.

The lead changed hands several times from that moment to the end. Isaac Sosa, a sophomore sharp-shooter who had 13 points, made a layup in transition for a 62-61 margin. The Great Danes came back with consecutive baskets by Will Harris and Ambrose. Harris finished with 23 points on 11-of-18 shooting.

"They are a good team and they hurt us too many second-chance points," said UAlbany coach Will Brown, whose team is beginning a string of eight consecutive road games. "We played a junk defense most of the game in an attempt to limit (Isaac) Sosa and (AJ) Rompza. They made one or two more plays than we did down the stretch."
In the first half, the two teams battle back and forth. The Knights took a 15-10 lead on Marcus Jordan's three-pointer from the left wing. UAlbany followed with eight unanswered. Redshirt freshman Jake Lindfors buried consecutive 3-pointers, including one from the top of the arc.

Diakite, who made 7-of-11 from the field and collected eight rebounds, later was fouled after scoring with an offensive rebound. His three-point play gave UCF a 31-26 advantage. The Great Danes would draw even at 33 apiece when Harris was fouled on a fastbreak layup. Harris, a 6'5' senior, made another basket and Fran Urli scored on the left baseline to the end the first half in a 37-37 deadlock.

"I thought they played good defense in the last minute," said Harris, who added five rebounds and three steals. "We shared the ball well offensively, but it came down to the final minute. We played competitively on the road against a good team and that's what I will take away from this experience."

Paw Prints: UAlbany's Tim Ambrose (25) and Will Harris (23) became the 17th UAlbany duo to score 20-plus points in the same game at the Division I level ... Ambrose and Harris also scored 20-plus apiece against UMBC on Jan. 25, 2009 ... the Great Danes were meeting a Conference USA opponent for the first time ... UAlbany is making its second trip to the state of Florida as a Division I program and meets Florida Atlantic in Boca Raton on Monday ... Central Florida's Marcus Jordan, the son of Basketball Hall of Famer Michael Jordan, had six points and three rebounds off the bench.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Men's Basketball Heads to Florida's Sunshine State for Pair of Thanksgiving Holiday Games

Albany, N.Y. - UAlbany basketball heads to the Sunshine State for the Thanksgiving holidays. The Great Danes meet Central Florida in Orlando on Nov. 28 and Florida Atlantic in Boca Raton on Nov. 30. Fans can listen to both games on Fox Sports Radio, AM 980, with Rodger Wyland handling the broadcasts.

Central Florida is off to a 4-1 start following a 59-50 victory over Drake on Nov. 22. Head coach Kirk Speraw has led the program to four NCAA appearances and was the 2007 Conference USA Coach of the Year. Isaac Sosa, a 6-foot-3 sophomore, leads the team in scoring at 13.8 points per game. A native of Puerto Rico, Sosa played in the FIBA U19 World Championships. A.J. Tyler, a 6'9" junior who transferred from Clemson, contributes 10.0 points and 4.6 rebounds.

Florida Atlantic, a member of the Sun Belt Conference, is led by veteran coach Mike Jarvis, who has 371 victories at the collegiate level. Jarvis previously coached at St. John's, George Washington and Boston University. Raymond Taylor, at 5-foot-6, is one of the better freshman guards in the nation. He averages 18.3 points and 6.2 assists. Shavar Richardson, the Sun Belt's top freshman scorer one year ago, scores at a 14.0 clip.

UAlbany (3-3) won two of three games at last weekend's 2K Sports Classic Sub-Regional. Will Harris had 22 points and nine rebounds in a 71-66 victory over Robert Morris on Nov. 22. Harris was named to the regional all-tournament team. The Great Danes held the defending Northeast Conference champions to 34.3-percent shooting. Blake Metcalf, a 6'9" freshman, was the unsung hero in both tournament wins and was chosen America East Conference Rookie of the Week. Tim Ambrose, a 6-foot junior, is averaging 13.7 points, 6.8 rebounds and a team-leading 4.5 assists.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Men's Basketball's Blake Metcalf Named America East Conference Rookie of the Week - UAlbany Sports 2009

Cambridge, Mass. - University at Albany's Blake Metcalf has been chosen America East Conference Rookie of the Week in men's basketball, as announced on Monday, Nov. 23 by the conference office. UAlbany (3-3) won three of four games played last week, including two victories at the 2K Sports Classic Albany Sub-Regional.

Metcalf, a 6-foot-9 freshman from Camby, Ind., was an unsung hero off the bench in two wins at the 2K Sports Classic. He had a career-best nine points, on 4-of-4 shooting, and grabbed four rebounds in Sunday's 71-66 victory over defending Northeast Conference champion Robert Morris. He also totaled six points, a career-high seven rebounds, two blocks and two assists in a first-round tournament win against Alcorn State.

Hoop Notes: UAlbany hosted the 2K Sports Classic, benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer, on Nov. 20-22 at SEFCU Arena ... the Albany Sub-Regional tournament drew 7,832 fans over three days ... UAlbany held all three 2K Sports Classic opponents under 39 percent from the field ... the Great Danes limited Robert Morris to 34.3-percent shooting in the final game of the regional tournament ... Will Harris, a 6'5" senior, posted season-highs in points (22) and rebounds (9) against Robert Morris and was named to the all-tournament team ... the Great Danes have played four opponents in the first two weeks of the season who made last year's NCAA Tournament field ... UAlbany travels to the Sunshine State this week to meet Central Florida (Nov. 28) and Florida Atlantic (Nov. 30).

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany's Will Harris Nets 22 in Basketball's 2K Sports Classic Win Against NEC Champion Robert Morris - UAlbany Sports 2009

Albany, N.Y. - Will Harris scored 22 points and Tim Ambrose added 15 in leading UAlbany to a 71-66 victory over Robert Morris in the third round of the 2K Sports Classic, benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer, Albany Sub-Regional on Sunday, Nov. 22 at SEFCU Arena. In the first game of the doubleheader, Detroit upended Alcorn State, 79-59.

In a tight-fisted contest, UAlbany (3-3) ran off six unanswered to take an 18-9 lead midway through the opening half. Logan Aronhalt, a redshirt freshman, made a baseline jumper and a 14-footer, while Blake Metcalf hit a jump hook in the lane. Metcalf, a 6-foot-9 freshman, finished with a career-best nine points off the bench.

Robert Morris (1-4), the defending Northeast Conference champion, rallied to within 21-19 when Russell Johnson canned a three-point field goal from the left wing after receiving an in-bounds pass. The Great Danes, who shot 58.3 percent in the period, came back with 10 of the game's next 12 points. Harris drilled a three-pointer from the right side for a 27-21 lead, before Fran Urli scored on inside cut and Metcalf made another basket off Harris' high-low exchange.

The Great Danes, who were coming off a 12-point loss the previous night to Detroit in this three-day regional tournament, settled for a 35-27 advantage at the intermission as the visitors were held to 30-percent shooting in the half. However, UAlbany quickly upped its margin to 12 in the final stanza when senior guard Mike Johnson made a layup and Harris sank two free throws after collecting an offensive rebound.

UAlbany still held a working 11-point margin when Harris, a 6-foot-5 senior, made another 3-pointer from the left wing with 4:14 remaining. The Colonials, who made their first NCAA appearance since 1992 last year, would make a late run.

Velton Jones, a 6-foot sophomore, nailed consecutive long-range jumpers, including one from the top of the arc off a screen that closed the gap to 67-63. Jones finished with 17 points, all in the second half. But UAlbany freshman Derrek Tartt calmly made two fouls shots with 16.4 seconds remaining. Harris, who had 17 second-half points and was named to the all-tournament squad, ended the dramatics with two more free throws.

"They tried to make us play fast and that's when we had trouble," said UAlbany coach Will Brown, whose team won two of three tournament games. "We gave ourselves a chance by executing our halfcourt sets. We got good contributions from a lot of guys. (Will) Harris was aggressive and played with rhythm."

The Colonials' Mezie Nwigie led his team with 18 points. Nwigie joined Alcorn State's Jonathan Boyd and Detroit's Xavier Keeling on the all-tournament team. The Titans' Eli Holman was named most valuable player.

"I am happy that we had a lead from beginning to end," said Harris, who had his first 20-plus outing since last February. "This is the first offseason that I have been healthy. I was able to work out on a consistent basis and it is starting to show now."

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports

Men's Basketball Falls to Detroit, 66-54, on Second Day of 2K Sports Classic at SEFCU Arena

Albany, N.Y. - Xavier Keeling scored 21 points and Eli Holman added 20 points and 14 rebounds in leading Detroit to a 66-54 victory over UAlbany on the second day of the 2K Sports Classic, benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer, Albany Sub-Regional at SEFCU Arena. Robert Morris posted a 107-76 win against Alcorn State in the first game of the doubleheader on Saturday, Nov. 21.

Detroit (3-1) reversed a 16-15 deficit in the opening half by reeling off 18 of the game's next 21 points. Keeling hit a slam dunk to put his team in front following Woody Payne's steal. Payne added two free throws and jumper for a five-point cushion. The Titans later ended the outburst when Keeling and Thomas Kennedy each made a pair of foul shots for a commanding 34-19 advantage.

UAlbany (2-3) regrouped to cut that lead in half by the intermission. Logan Aronhalt, a redshirt freshman, canned a three-pointer and Scotty McRae scored after gaining an offensive rebound to bring the margin under double figures. Detroit settled for a 40-33 halftime lead.

In the second half, Jake Lindfors, a redshirt freshman who had a career game with eight points and seven rebounds, split two free throws to get his team within 40-36. Still clinging to a six-point margin midway through the period, the Titans pulled away with seven unanswered. Keeling, who made 10-of-11 from the line, made two free throws. Holman, a 6-foot-9, 250-pound transfer from Indiana University, later put back Payne's missed layup. Payne hit another from the charity stripe for a 54-41 lead.

The Titans, who held their opponent to 30.4-percent shooting after the break, led by as much as 19 with just under five minutes remaining. Payne finished with 10 points, five assists and four steals.

"We had defensive intensity," said Detroit coach Ray McCallum, who is in his second season after previously guided the Ball State and Houston programd. "They run great sets and turn you over. We made them go to their second and third option with constant pressure. Our perimeter defense was good."

Tim Ambrose was UAlbany's lone player in twin figures with 12 points. Mike Johnson and Will Harris added nine and seven points, respectively. Both teams were under the 40-percent mark from the field.

"We struggled to get the ball in the basket and went through a seven- or eight-minute drought in the second half," explained UAlbany coach Will Brown, whose team also had 20 turnovers. "We lost to a talented team. (Woody) Payne is a good defensive guard. They were physical with (Will) Harris and (Tim) Ambrose and denied them the ball."

The 2K Sports Classic Sub-Regional concludes on Sunday with Detroit meeting Alcorn State at 2:30 p.m., followed by UAlbany and Robert Morris.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany's Derrek Tartt Provides Spark in Basketball's 71-55 Victory on First Day of 2K Sports Classic - UAlbany Sports 2009

Albany, N.Y. - Will Harris scored 15 points and Derrek Tartt came off the bench to add 13 as UAlbany defeated Alcorn State, 71-55, on the first day of the 2K Sports Classic, benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer, Albany Sub-Regional on Friday, Nov. 20 at SEFCU Arena. In the first game of the doubleheader, Detroit upended Robert Morris, 71-59.

UAlbany (2-2) led 36-28 at halftime, but then ripped off seven unanswered to begin the final period. Jake Lindfors, a redshirt freshman, made a reverse layup off a high-low feed, before Mike Johnson scored on the left baseline. Harris, who made 6-of-8 from the floor, finished off a fastbreak with a slam dunk for a 15-point advantage.

The Great Danes, who were coming off their first victory of season four days earlier, stretched out to a 49-31 margin when Blake Metcalf converted an offensive rebound. The 6-foot-9 freshman had six points, seven rebounds and two blocked shots in a reserve role.

Alcorn State (0-4) would regroup and cut into the lead over the next six minutes. Jonathan Boyd, who led all scorers with 16 points and made four 3-point shots, hit drive on the right baseline in transition and later canned a three-point field goal from the right wing off a screen to slice the deficit to 56-48.

UAlbany's Harris answered with a three-pointer from the top of the arc. Still leading 61-52, the Great Danes finally sealed the verdict with eight consecutive points. Brett Gifford sank a 12-foot jumper and Johnson made a layup following a steal. Scotty McRae, who totaled seven points and six rebounds, hit a slam dunk from a driving Tim Ambrose and made two foul shots for a 69-52 lead with 3:00 remaining.

"We are not in rhythm as a team right now," said UAlbany coach Will Brown, who was pleased with the win but not happy with his team's 21 turnovers. "I wanted to get guys some time and play the freshmen. We are not going to win any style points, but I think we have the pieces to get ready for conference play."

In the first half, the Great Danes led by as much as 11 points midway through the period after freshman guard Mike Black nailed a long-range jumper. The Braves would eventually close within 31-28 as Ian Francis connected on a jump hook on the right baseline. Tartt, a freshman guard who made 4-of-5 from the field, made a three-pointer and Logan Aronhalt delivered on a dunk in transition to end the period.

"We have to play three days, so we need to take care of our bodies and stay hydrated," explained Harris, whose team meets Detroit on Saturday and Robert Morris on Sunday in this regional tournament. "Our young guys come to practice every day and this just proves that practice pays off."

Brandon Rogers was the only other Alcorn State player in double figures with 10 points. UAlbany's Ambrose had eight points, six rebounds and a career-high seven assists.

"I was just looking to attack and be aggressive," offered Tartt, who netted 11 of his scoring total in the opening half. "I took shots that were open, but I still have to play better on defense."


2K Sports Classic, Benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer
Albany Sub-Regional, SEFCU Arena

Saturday, Nov. 21
Alcorn State vs. Robert Morris, 4:30 p.m.
UAlbany vs. Detroit, 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 22
Alcorn State vs. Detroit, 2:30 p.m.
UAlbany vs. Robert Morris, 5:00 p.m.



Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Men's Basketball Records First Win By Edging Defending Patriot League Champion American - UAlbany Sports 2009

Washington, D.C. - Tim Ambrose scored on a follow shot in the lane in the closing minutes and UAlbany hung on in the stretch for a 51-50 victory over American on Monday, Nov. 16 in the Eagles' home opener at Bender Arena.

UAlbany (1-2) trailed by as much as eight points early in the second half and were still behind 41-34 before making a move. Scotty McRae, who tallied a career-high 14 points and grabbed seven rebounds off the bench, sank a 16-footer in the circle and canned a three-point field goal from the top of the arc that closed the gap to a single possession.

The Great Danes, who were playing their third consecutive opponent that made last year's NCAA Tournament field, drew even at 41 apiece on Ambrose's 17-foot jumper following a steal. McRae gave his squad its first lead of the period when he sank a jumper in the key midway through the period.

Ambrose made a pair of foul shots and then found Will Harris curling off a screen for a 47-43 lead. But American (0-2) responded when Simon McCormack, a 6-foot-4 sophomore who netted 10 points, made two free throws and nailed a 10-foot jumper from left of the lane. Ambrose, a 6-foot junior who had 14 points, put his team back in front, 49-47, with a left wing jumper. Freshman guard Daniel Munoz regained the lead on a conventional three-point play when he was fouled while making a driving bank shot with 2:25 remaining.

After McRae misfired on a left-baseline shot, Ambrose scored with the offensive rebound. After a series of events, UAlbany guard Mike Johnson, who was making his first appearance of the season, stole an errant pass in the lane with 11.4 seconds to play. Ambrose would miss the front end of a one-and-one free throw opportunity, but Munoz missed a runner in the lane as time expired.

"They are a tough team and they bothered us when they went to a small lineup," said UAlbany coach Will Brown, whose squad ended a seven-game road losing streak by holding the Eagles to 38.2-percent shooting. "We played some match-up zone that last eight to 10 minutes and than helped. We have a young group that keeps fighting. We have to take a deep breath because we won a tight game and didn't play well."

The opening 13 minutes of play produced six lead changes. The Eagles, who have won back-to-back Patriot League titles and lowered their championship banner in a pre-game ceremony, eventually caught fire by stringing together a 16-4 run that reversed a three-point deficit. Mike Bersch converted a fastbreak layup from a driving Steve Luptak that put his team ahead. Freshman guard Blake Jolivette, a first-team all-state high school player from Houston, Texas, then connected on a pair of three-point field goals, including one from right of the key for a 23-18 advantage.

Stephen Lumpkins, a 6-foot-8 sophomore who had 12 points and seven rebounds, later scored on a tip-in, before Munoz finished off a fastbreak for a 29-20 lead. The Great Danes came back with five straight points when Jake Lindfors drilled a long-range jumper from the left wing and Johnson connected off his steal. Lumpkins converted a left-handed spin move in the lane to answer that spurt.

"We were making extra passes and missing early layups, but we were able to pull it through," Ambrose explained. "They couldn't space us out in their zone in the second half like they did in the first. We always had someone there in a matchup. It's good to get our first road win."

Harris finished with nine points and seven rebounds for the Great Danes, who snapped American's 12-game win streak at Bender Arena, the 13th longest home win skein in the nation.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Basketball Upended By Defending MEAC Champion Morgan State, 69-65, in Home Opener

Albany, N.Y. - Reggie Holmes scored 23 points and DeWayne Jackson's steal and slam dunk put his team ahead in the final five minutes in leading Morgan State to a 69-65 victory over UAlbany on Friday, Nov. 13 before 3,434 fans at SEFCU Arena.

In a second half that featured five lead changes and four ties, UAlbany (0-2) reversed a 46-42 deficit with 11 unanswered. Tim Ambrose, a 6-foot junior who had 14 of his 21 points after the break, drew his team even with a pair of free throws. Freshman guard Mike Black followed with a driving layup and a three-point play when he was fouled while converting a fastbreak opportunity. Ambrose's jumper from left of the lane gave his club a 53-46 advantage with 12:30 remaining.

Morgan State (1-0) still trailed by four with less than six minutes to play, but regrouped when Holmes canned one of his three 3-point field goals after an offensive rebound. Jackson's steal and dunk put his team ahead, 61-60, with 4:23 left.

Still leading by one, Holmes connected on a one-hander as he curled into the lane. Jackson came up with another steal and sank a 19-footer from just inside the top of the arc for a 67-62 lead with 1:32 remaining. The Great Danes were still within one possession in the closing seconds, but Jackson sealed the outcome by splitting a pair of free throws.

"I was disappointed that we lost the game, but I look at this as a positive," said UAlbany coach Will Brown, whose team held the visitors to 38.2-percent shooting. "The young guys played well and we were missing two starters. Morgan State is an NCAA team who will win their league again this year. They switched (defensively) on everything in the last three minutes and we got stagnant (on offense)."

The Bears, who made their first NCAA appearance last year after winning the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championship, built a 27-16 margin in the first half. Kevin Thompson, a 6-foot-8 sophomore who totaled 15 points and nine rebounds, scored on a follow shot to give his squad its biggest lead.

The Great Danes, who opened their season with a loss at No. 25 Syracuse four days earlier, came back to tie the contest at 33 apiece by halftime. Will Harris, a senior who netted 18 points, hit a bank shot in transition before Logan Aronhalt drilled his second 3-pointer of the period to close the gap to 33-31. Harris later made a jumper from the foul line that evened the score.

"We had trouble putting the ball in the hole," offered Harris, whose team did not make a field goal over the last seven minutes. "We have to do a better job of being available for Tim (Ambrose). I am encouraged because the young guys stepped up. They will be needed later in the year.

UAlbany's Black finished with seven points and three assists, while Aronhalt, a redshirt freshman, added six points and four rebounds off the bench. Derrek Tartt, another freshman guard, contributed three points, four assists and three rebounds.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Syracuse Sends UAlbany to Season-Opening Defeat in 2K Sports Classic's First Round

Syracuse, N.Y. - Arinze Onuaka had 14 points to pace five players in double figures to lead Syracuse to a 75-43 victory over UAlbany in the first round of the 2K Sports Classic, benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer, on Monday, Nov. 9 before 15,707 fans at the Carrier Dome. The season-opening contest was televised nationally on ESPNU.

Syracuse's Jim Boeheim recorded his 800th career victory and became the eighth head coach at the Division I level to reach the milestone. Boeheim, who is in his 34th season at the school, has guided the program to 32 NCAA Tournament appearances and a national championship.

Syracuse, ranked No. 25 in the ESPN/USA Today Coaches Poll, ran off eight straight points to start the game. But the visitors regrouped to close within 9-7 on a three-point field goal by Louis Barraza. The Orange came back with nine unanswered and the outcome was never in doubt. Rick Jackson, a 6-foot-9 junior, scored in the lane, before Kris Joseph's basket ended the run.

The Orange, who went 28-10 last year and advance to the NCAA regional semifinals, cruised to a 38-20 halftime advantage. Syracuse's 2-3 zone defense caused all kinds of problems, as UAlbany had 20 turnovers in the half. The Great Danes finished 32 miscues, the program's single-game Division I mark.

"We didn't take care of the ball and were soft with it," UAlbany senior Brett Gifford said. "The turnovers led to easy baskets. For some reason, the mystique of this (Syracuse) program got to us. We didn't play like we have in practice."

Wes Johnson, an Iowa State transfer, stuffed his stat line in his first game in a Syracuse uniform. He finished with 12 points, eight rebounds, six steals and four assists. Scoop Jardine and Joseph added 12 points apiece, as their team shot 48.3 percent from the field.

"We were active on defense and got the ball inside," Boeheim explained. "The encouraging thing is that we scored despite the turnovers. It was a good way to start the season."

UAlbany's Will Harris, a 6-foot-5 senior, led the way with 14 points, all in the second half. Tim Ambrose had 10 of his 12 markers in the opening stanza. Brown used most of his bench throughout the game, as 11 of the 12 players who saw action had made an appearance with 10 minutes elapsed.

"Everything that could possibly go wrong did go wrong," said Brown, whose team plays its home opener at SEFCU Arena against Morgan State on Friday. "We were like deer in headlights. Once we turned the ball over, we panicked offensively. Syracuse has great length on its 2-3 zone and they stretch it like a 2-2-1."
Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Men's Basketball Signs Power Forward For 2009-10 - UAlbany Sports 2009

A pair of Texas-based Web sites reported 6-8 power forward Fran Urli has signed a National Letter of Intent to play basketball at the University at Albany for the 2009-10 season.

A junior-college transfer, Urli suited up for Panola College for the past two seasons.

It was believed the Great Danes had filled all of their scholarships for next season, but the reports of Urli’s signing suggest otherwise.

From Shelby County (TX) Today and also reported by the Longview (TX) News-Journal…

Fran Urli, a sophomore at Panola College , has signed a National Letter of Intent to play basketball at the University of Albany . Urli, a 6-8 power forward from Zagreb , Croatia averaged 10.2ppg, 7.1rpg and 1.3apg this season at Panola while shooting 103-213 (48.4%) from the field, 6-14 (42.9%) from 3 and 94-135 (69.6%) from the FT line. Fran Urli was a Region XIV All-Conference Honorable Mention selection, as well as earning Academic All-Conference recognition. He was also the recipient of the Buddy Lowery Award, as the top male student-athlete at Panola College.

As a freshman in 2008-09, he averaged 6.0ppg and 3.3rpg, while shooting 56-94 (59.6%) from the field, 2-5 (40.0%) from 3 and 43-60 (71.7%) from the FT line.

Below is the list of players who were expected to be back (or arriving) for the 2009-10 season. The NCAA allows 13 scholarships for Division I basketball programs.

G Billy Allen
G Tim Ambrose
G/F Logan Aronhalt
G Louis Barraza
G Mike Black
C Brett Gifford
F Gavin Glanton
F Will Harris
G Mike Johnson
F Jake Lindfors
F Scotty McRae
F Blake Metcalf
G Derrek Tartt
F Fran Urli
G/F Ralph Watts

Freshman F/C John Puk is expected to redshirt for 2009-10 without receiving a scholarship, while Scotty McRae agreed to pay his own way. That leaves the Danes with 14 others, meaning another player must be without a scholarship.

Courtesy: Jon Campbell

University of Albany Basketball Coach Will Brown Speaks at Capital Region School's Athletic Awards Ceremony - UAlbany Sports 2009

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – University at Albany head basketball coach Will Brown was the featured speaker at The Doane Stuart School’s Upper Class Athletic Awards Ceremony on Thursday, May 14. Coach Brown spoke to the school’s students about team concepts, competition and leadership.

“The ability to achieve common goals and develop relationships is important,” offered Brown, who has guided the Great Danes to pair of America East Conference championships and two NCAA appearances during his tenure. “Success is not easy. It takes a lot of hard work.”

Brown stressed to the athletes to stay involved while competing with honesty and integrity. He also talked about leadership, whether it’s by example or being vocal, and goal setting.

Doane Stuart, the nation’s only successfully merged Protestant/Catholic independent school, competes athletically in the Central Hudson Valley League and as a Section II, Class D member.

“Enjoy competing and participating,” Brown added. “It’s not all about winning and losing. Success comes in many forms.”

University of Albany Basketball's Tim Ambrose Receives SEFCU Most Valuable Player Award for 2008-09 Season - UAlbany Sports 2009

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – University at Albany’s Tim Ambrose received the men’s basketball team’s most valuable player award, as presented by SEFCU, at the program’s annual postseason awards dinner on Thursday, April 23 at the SEFCU Arena Athletic Hall of Fame Room. Mike Johnson was voted the Richard “Doc” Sauers most improved award, Jerel Hastings was awarded top defender, and Brian Connelly earned the academic award.

Ambrose, a 6-foot sophomore, ranked ninth among the America East Conference scoring leaders at 14.3 points per game. He averaged 5.1 rebounds and 2.6 assists, plus led the team in steals (35). Ambrose was named third-team all-conference.

A native of Brentwood, N.Y., Ambrose scored in double figures on 22 occasions, including a career-high 29 against Vermont on Feb. 7. He did all of his scoring in the second half to equal the program’s one-half standard that was established in 1955-56. Ambrose also recorded the first career double-double of his career with a 19-point, 11-rebound performance in a 62-61 victory over Boston University on Jan. 8.

Johnson, a junior guard from Brooklyn, N.Y., transferred to UAlbany from Blinn College in Texas. He contributed 3.4 points, 3.1 rebounds and a team-leading 2.8 assists in 30 appearances. Johnson came on in the final month of the season when he averaged 3.7 points and 3.6 assists over the final 12 games. A starter in the last five contests, Johnson was a key figure in his team’s upset of regular-season champion Vermont in the America East quarterfinal round. He accounted for eight points, five assists and a career-best 10 rebounds. He had five or more assists against seven opponents.

Hastings, a senior from Dallas, Texas, was selected to the 2009 America East All-Defensive Team. He averaged 4.6 points and 2.8 rebounds, while shooting 47.6 percent from the floor. He produced his first double-double as a collegian with 19 points and 10 rebounds in a late February win against Maine.

A senior forward from Audubon, N.J., Connelly has a 3.15 cumulative grade point average in business administration. He was named to the America East All-Academic Team for the second consecutive year. Connelly totaled 8.0 points and 4.7 rebounds in 31 starting assignments. He finished his career with 750 points and more than 400 rebounds.

UAlbany (15-16) reached the 15-win mark the fourth consecutive season, the first time the Great Danes have accomplished that mark since 1995. Head coach Will Brown returns seven letterwinners and two redshirt freshman, plus has signed five high school standouts for the 2009-10 campaign.

University of Albany Men's Basketball to face Syracuse in Coaches vs. Cancer Classic - UAlbany Sports 2009

UAlbany will open next season by meeting Syracuse in the Carrier Dome in the regional round of the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic, a source familiar with the contract confirmed Friday. The date was unavailable, although the regionals are held Nov. 9-13.

Then UAlbany will return home to SEFCU Arena to face three opponents in three consecutive days from Nov. 20-22 as part of the revamped Coaches vs. Cancer format.

Those three SEFCU Arena opponents will be Robert Morris, Detroit and Alcorn State, according to the Robert Morris Web site. UAlbany is guaranteed a total of four games.

UAlbany hasn’t faced Syracuse since a 72-55 loss at the Carrier Dome on Dec. 28, 2004. The Great Danes faced the Orange five times in their first six seasons of Division I competition, with Syracuse winning all five meetings.

The last time UAlbany played in the Coaches vs. Cancer event was to begin the 2005-06 season at the University of Florida. The Great Danes lost 83-64 to Florida in the regionals with a trip to the semifinals at Madison Square Garden at stake.

Under the new round-robin format, Syracuse will automatically advance to the semifinals at the Garden, no matter what happens, undoubtedly to ensure the largest possible crowds and television ratings. Syracuse hosts one regional while North Carolina, Ohio State and California host the others.

While UAlbany can’t advance to the Garden, this format does allow them to fill three home dates.

The Gazelle Group, which runs the tournament, isn’t expected to formally announce the rest of the field (including UAlbany) until this summer.

Men's Basketball Turned Back By Defending Champion UMBC in America East Semifinals

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – Jay Greene had 29 points in leading UMBC to a 64-58 victory over UAlbany in the America East Conference Tournament’s semifinal round on Sunday, March 8 at SEFCU Arena. The Retrievers advanced to the championship final for the second straight year.

UMBC (15-16) led 48-46 with 7:52 remaining, but then pulled away with six consecutive points. Greene, a senior guard who made 7-of-12 from the field and 10-of-12 from the line, hit a runner in the lane, before Darryl Proctor converted a fastbreak layup. Proctor, who added 15 points and eight rebounds, drilled a fadeaway from the foul line for a 54-46 advantage.

The Great Danes, who upset second-seeded Vermont in the quarterfinals, later pulled within a basket when Tim Ambrose sank a three-point field goal and Brian Connelly split a pair of free throws. But Greene, the championship’s most outstanding player last year when he led his team to the title, built the lead back to 61-54 with two foul shots and his fifth 3-pointer of the game.

UAlbany (15-16) still had several opportunities to close the gap in the final minute. Ambrose, who totaled 21 points and eight rebounds, made back-to-back baskets, including a baseline jumper that sliced the deficit to 61-58. The Retrievers twice turned the ball over against pressure, but the home team failed to capitalize on both occasions. Louis Barraza misfired on a game-tying three-pointer from the right wing and Greene made three from the charity stripe to end the suspense.

“Their experience was a factor,” said UAlbany coach Will Brown, whose team was bidding to become the first seventh seed to reach the tournament’s championship. “Jay Greene dominated the game down the stretch. That’s what great players do. We struggled to score and every defensive possession becomes important.”

The Great Danes jumped out an 11-point lead in the early going when Jimmie Covington connected on a one-hander in the lane. UAlbany was still ahead 22-18, but the defending conference champions ripped off 12 unanswered. Greene sank two foul shots to put his team ahead. Justin Fry scored off an inbounds pass and Proctor converted in transition for a 30-22 cushion.

UAlbany trailed by as much as seven in the final period, before clawing their way back. Still trailing 44-40, Brian Connelly made a 14-footer on the right baseline and Ambrose delivered a 3-pointer from left of the key to put their team in front. The Retrievers quickly regained the lead at 46-45 when Fry scored in the lane on a shot that rolled on the rim and in and made a jumper in the circle.

“We knew it would be a game of runs,” said Connelly, one of three seniors making his final appearance. “How we handled it and responded would be important. As poor as the last ten minutes of the first half were, we still fought in the second half. We just had breakdowns here and there.”

Will Harris had 14 points for the Great Danes, who reached the America East semifinals for the third time in the last four years. Connelly finished with nine points and five rebounds. UMBC is just the second sixth seed to reach the tournament’s final, as Vermont was the first to accomplish that feat in 2006.

University of Albany Pulls Off Overtime Upset in America East Basketball Tournament's Quarterfinal Round - UAlbany Sports 2009

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – Mike Johnson made the go-ahead free throws with one minute and 18 seconds remaining in overtime, as UAlbany knocked off Vermont, 56-52, in the America East Conference Tournament’s quarterfinal round on Saturday, March 7 at SEFCU Arena. The UVM Catamounts were seeded second after sharing the conference regular-season title.

Marqus Blakely, the conference’s player of the year and top defender for the second consecutive season, gave his club a 52-51 lead when he split a pair foul shots in the extra period. Blakely finished with 22 points and nine rebounds. Johnson, a junior guard, was then fouled in the lane and hit two free throws to put his team ahead for good.

The teams traded turnovers when Blakely was called for an offensive foul and UAlbany’s Will Harris committed a turnover when the ball was poked from behind. Vermont’s Garvey Young then missed a jumper from left of the lane with 20 seconds to play. Johnson was fouled in the backcourt and canned two from the line for a 55-52 advantage. The junior college transfer then stole Colin McIntosh’s inbound pass and made the first of two free throws to seal the upset.

“Vermont is the best team in the league, but I thought we were the tougher team today,” said UAlbany coach Will Brown, whose squad became the first seventh seed in the history of the championship to defeat the No. 2 seed. “I told these guys they could win. I just didn’t know if we could score enough points.”

Vermont (23-8) rallied from a 15-point deficit in the second half. McIntosh, who had 13 points, nailed a three-point field goal to close his team within five and later converted a cut in the lane to tie the contest at 44-all with 3:37 left.

The Great Danes, who had lost seven of their last eight regular-season games, trailed 47-44 in the final minutes. But Harris, who recorded his sixth double-double of the season with 18 points and 10 rebounds, scored in the lane from a driving Tim Ambrose to draw his team even at 48 apiece. Each team never got a shot on their last possession of regulation. In the overtime, McIntosh put his team ahead, 51-48, with a three-pointer, but Ambrose later connected on the right baseline to force the seventh tie of the game.

UAlbany (15-15) played a nearly perfect opening half by shooting 60 percent from the field. The Great Danes led 18-13, but then scored 13 of the game’s next 16 points. Ambrose, who totaled 15 points and five rebounds, drilled a 15-foot jumper to give his team a 10-point cushion. Harris added a three-pointer from the top of the arc, before Louis Barraza made two free throws for a 31-16 margin. UAlbany led by 14 at halftime, as the Catamounts were held to 30.4 percent from the floor.

“I haven’t been this happy all season,” said UAlbany senior Brian Connelly, who played on clubs that defeated Vermont in the America East championship final in 2006 and 2007. “We could have folded and called it a season, but we never gave up. The crowd gave us energy and we gave them energy back.”

The Great Danes will meet UMBC on Sunday at 2:04 p.m. in the semifinal round. The Retrievers upended third seed Boston University, 79-75 in overtime. The conference tournament semifinal will be televised on the America East TV Network. Fans can also listen to the game on Fox Sports 980, WOFX-AM.