Logan Aronhalt Named To The 2012 CoSIDA Academic All-America Men's Basketball Division I Second Team - UAlbany Sports 2012

Towson, Md.- University at Albany's Logan Aronhalt has been chosen to the Capital One 2012 Academic All-America Men's Basketball Team Division I Second Team, as selected and announced on Thursday, Feb. 23 by CoSIDA (College Sports Information Directors of America). This is Aronhalt's first time being honored for All-America Division I second team. He has also graduated a semester early and is currently enrolled in the educational administration and policy studies graduate program at UAlbany.

Aronhalt, a junior guard from Zanesville, Ohio, has a 3.78 cumulative grade point average in human biology. He is fifth among the America East Conference scoring leaders at 14.6 points per game, plus is sixth in three-point field goals (2.1 per game) and second in free-throw percentage and 17th in the nation (.889). He is also averaging 4.5 rebounds.

Aronhalt, who is having a great junior season, eclipsed the 1,000-point mark as a Great Dane against Vermont earlier this season. He became the 32nd UAlbany basketball player to reach the plateau and is currently 25th all-time at UAlbany with 1,087 points.

SECOND TEAM

Name School Yr. Hometown GPA Major

Logan Aronhalt Albany Jr. Zanesville, Ohio 3.78 Human biology
Brian Conklin Saint Louis Gr. Eugune, Ore. 3.54 MBA (G); Busin. Admin (UG)
Drew Crawford Northwestern Jr. Naperville, Ill. 3.40 Economics
Ronald Nored Butler Sr. Homewood, Ala. 3.64 Early, Middle Childhood Ed.
Scott Saunders (2) Belmont Sr. New Orleans, La. 3.84 Finance & Marketing

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports

Women's Basketball Win 20 Games For the First Time in Division I History With 69-37 Win Over Binghamton - UAlbany Sports 2012

Albany, N.Y. - Megan Craig scored a game-high 19 points on 9-of-11 shooting from the floor to lead UAlbany to a 69-37 victory over Binghamton in America East Conference women's basketball action on Wednesday evening at SEFCU Arena. With the win, the Great Danes improve their record to 20-9 overall, and 14-2 in league play. It is the first time in Division I history, and the first time since the 1991-92 season, that UAlbany has won 20 or more games.

After Binghamton's Orla O'Reilly hit a 3-pointer 43 seconds into play, neither team scored until the 13:49 mark of the first half when Julie Forster hit a jumper in the paint for the Great Danes. The teams went back-and-forth, tying the game at 9-9 on a trey by Binghamton's Andrea Holmes. After another long-range shot put the Bearcats up, 12-9, UAlbany kicked into high gear, and scored the game's next 18 points. Craig scored seven of those points for the Great Danes, while two free throws by Forster with 36 seconds on the clock gave UAlbany a 26-12 lead. O'Reilly ended the run with a jumper for Binghamton with 20 seconds left, but Lindsey Lowrie sank a bucket with just nine ticks on the clock to send the Great Danes to the locker room with a 28-14 lead.

UAlbany continued to roll coming out of the halftime break, and build up a 21-point lead, 42-21, on a 3-pointer by Lowrie at 14:41. O'Reilly responded with a trey of her own at the Binghamton end of the floor, but the Bearcat defense could not contain the Great Danes, as they extended their advantage to 25 on back-to-back treys off Binghamton turnovers by Ebone Henry and Cassandra Callaway. Viive Rebane made two free throws to try to spur the Bearcats into action, but another long-range shot by Callaway at 7:35 put the Great Danes up, 60-30. Binghamton was cable to cut the lead back to 27 on a jumper by Jasbriell Swain, but UAlbany continued to roll, as a free throw by Sarah Royals set the score at 67-33 with under two minutes to play. Cyndra Couch laid the ball in with under a minute to play, while two made free throws by Binghamton's Kyra Aloizos set the final score.

O'Reilly and Holmes led the Bearcats with eight points each, while Swain totaled seven points and six rebounds for Binghamton (12-16, AE 6-9).

Craig scored her 19 points in 19 minutes of action off the bench, leading three players in double-digit scoring totals. Henry netted 12 points and recorded seven rebounds, five assists and two steals, while Callaway totaled 10 points, three helpers and two steals. Forster controlled the game off the boards, pulling down a game-high 11 caroms, as UAlbany out-rebounded Binghamton, 43-26. The Great Danes shot 44.1 percent (26-59) from the floor, while holding Binghamton to 27.3 percent (12-44) shooting.

UAlbany (20-9, AE 14-2) will wait to see how the conference standings wrap up over the weekend, determining the Great Danes' seeding and first America East tournament opponent.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports

University of Albany Men's Indoor Takes Seventh Straight AEast Title; Women Finish Second

Boston, Mass. - Winning six of 20 events, the University at Albany men's indoor track and field team won its seventh straight America East Conference title Saturday afternoon at Boston University's Track and Tennis Center. The women's team, finishing just four and a half points behind first place Boston U., fell short of their third straight conference title. Four event titles were given to the women's squad.

The men's squad has won nine of the previous ten conference titles. Alfonso Scannapieco was honored as the Most Outstanding Field Performer, while the UAlbany received the Indoor Coaching Staff of the Year honor.

Scannapieco ended the weekend with two event titles; capturing the heptathlon and pole vault. In the pole vault, he completed a season-best 17 foot and one inch soar. Completing the last three events of the heptathlon today Scannapieco finished with 5, 202 points for the crown.

In addition to Kadeem Howell's 23' 11.50" title winning long jump yesterday, Alexander Bowen picked up another field event title in the high jump. Bowen leaped a 6' 9.75" distance for the top mark on the day.

On the track, the men captured titles in the 1,000 and 5,000 meter events. Chris Burke finished the 1,000 in 2:25.57, while Alex Leuchanka grabbed the 5,000 title yesterday crossing the tape at 14:24.60 to set a new school record.

Both distance medley teams garnered second place finishes with a 9:58.93 time for the men's side and 11:55.03 time for the women's squad. Tyler Fogarty, Alex Petit-Frere, Andrew Pirnie and Chris Buchanan split up the legs for the men's distance medley. On the women's side, Brianne Bellon, Brittany Eveleth, Jonelle White and Miranda McConnell ran in sync for the second place finish.

Pat McNish also finished the weekend with two titles. After a school record setting long jump yesterday, she finished Saturday with a 40 foot and four inch triple jump for the conference title.

On the track, Sherez Mohamed both a school and meet record in the 500 meter as she clocked in at 1:12.29 for the first place finish. The legs of Elia Francis, Kamilah Williams, Tenica Roberts and Alli Rogers finished in 3:46.26 setting a conference meet and school record in the 4x400 meter relay event. The 4x800 and distance medley teams for the Great Danes both placed second.

Rogers set a school record in the 400 meter trials and finished second in the final event in a time of 55.19.

The indoor season continues next weekend for the Armory Collegiate Challenge in New York City.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports

First Regular Season Polls Are In; Women's Lacrosse At No. 16 - UAlbany Sports 2012

Albany, N.Y. - After the season opening 19-9 victory over Niagara, the University at Albany women's lacrosse program ranks in at No. 16 in the deBeer Women's Media Poll and first-ever ILWomen.com Power Rankings Poll.

The 2012 campaign began at home for the Great Danes this past Saturday with the victory over Niagara. Producing 19 total goals, UAlbany had many different players find the back of the net, including six goals from Tewaaraton Watch List player, Ariana Parker. Three freshmen made a lasting first impression by producing six goals and four assists that afternoon. Those first-year scorers included Maureen Keggins who banked in two goals and four assists, while Nichole Eamer tallied three goals and Rachel Bowles converted once.

The Great Danes will spend the next five games on the road, including a visit to Chapel Hill, N.C. Friday, February 24 with a contest featuring No. 3 North Carolina drawing off at 5:00 p.m

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports

University at Albany Announces Site of New Athletic Field Complex;

ALBANY, N.Y. (February 15, 2012) – University at Albany President George Philip today announced the official site of the University’s new $24 million athletic and recreational complex and kicked off a $6 million fundraising campaign to support the project. George Hearst, president of the University at Albany Foundation, announced a $1 million challenge pledge by an anonymous donor to match any contribution up to $1 million between now and Dec. 31, 2012.

“We are very excited to move forward on these long overdue and essential upgrades to our University’s athletic and recreational facilities,” said President Philip, speaking at an afternoon press conference held in the University’s SEFCU Arena. “The University is very appreciative of the tremendous support this project received from our Capital Region Legislative Delegation, led by Senators Neil Breslin, Hugh T. Farley, and Roy McDonald. We are also grateful for the tremendous support we have received from the community. All have made a crucial difference in making this day a reality.”

According to Philip, the project, which has been years in the making, would not have happened without the bi-partisan support of the Capital Region’s three New York State Senators, who each worked diligently to bring this project to fruition.

The renovation of the UAlbany athletic facilities will be accomplished in three phases over the next two years, and is budgeted at $24 million: $18 million from allocated state appropriations targeted for capital improvements and scheduled maintenance projects, and $6 million from private funding.

The groundbreaking for the project is expected to take place in mid-April. The three components include:

A new multi-use synthetic turf field for student recreational and intramural use. This component of the project is scheduled for completion in fall 2012.

An enhanced football and soccer facility able to accommodate NCAA Division I competitions with capacity for 4,000 permanent seats, 2,000 berm seats and nearly 2,000 temporary bleacher-style seats. This is slated for completion for fall 2013.


A rendering of the new football field, scheduled to be ready for fall 2013.


Repairs and upgrades meeting NCAA Division I standards to the University’s track & field venue. Completion of the track is scheduled for early winter 2013.

University at Albany Foundation President George Hearst remarked, “This momentous occasion demonstrates the importance of public-private partnerships as the means to advance our region’s economy and quality of life. This anonymous gift of $1 million places the University at Albany well on its way to achieving a state-of-the-art multi-sports complex for students, alumni, and the community-at-large.”

New Site for Football, New Turf for Track & Field
The enhanced facilities will be adjacent to the existing athletic football fields and the SEFCU arena on the Uptown Campus. Varsity football will be relocated to a new multi-purpose facility to be located south of the Bubble, east of the SEFCU Arena. A synthetic turf field with new field lighting and fencing (for extended season use) will be constructed east of the tennis courts and south of the Dutch Quad residence hall. The track will be located in its current location. When not in use for competitions, it will be available for community recreational use by high schools and community organizations.

UAlbany’s athletic facilities were constructed in the mid 1960s and have not been materially upgraded since that time. Today, these facilities do not meet current codes and access requirements. The football program is a perennial leader in NCAA Division I-AA football despite playing on the same field it used in 1970 as a club sport. Its track and field team, which has dominated competition in the Division I America East Conference, cannot host an NCAA competition as a result of the University’s track not being NCAA compliant.

UAlbany Vice President and Director of Athletics Lee McElroy said, “This is a tremendous acknowledgment of all that our coaching staffs and athletes have accomplished over the last decade. UAlbany athletes on the Division I level have achieved remarkable results, both on the field and in the classroom. All our students, coaches, alumni and community supporters will now receive the Division I-level playing facilities their dedication merits.”

“This is truly a great day for the University at Albany and the entire Albany area,” said Senator Breslin. “The University’s high performing student-athletes – both on the playing field and in the classroom – have provided local residents with great sporting opportunities over the years, and these new facilities will ensure even broader community support across the region for years to come.”

In addition, Senator Hugh T. Farley, a UAlbany alumnus and emeritus faculty member, worked tirelessly to support the University’s pursuit of the project. “UAlbany athletics are sources of pride both for our region and the school’s many alumni, of which I am one,” he said. “The development of a multi-sports complex will attract even more outstanding student-athletes to our excellent institution.”

Senator McDonald added, “I am always proud to lend my support to this great university. The additional attention these improvements to UAlbany’s recreational and intercollegiate sports facilities will bring to the campus will allow a brighter light to shine on the tremendous academic quality and research excellence that takes place here.”

Representatives from the New York State Public High School Athletic Association and the Sports Foundation of the Capital Region also praised the contribution the new UAlbany facilities will make as venues for major area sporting events.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports

UAlbany To Play In The 2012 Basketball Hall of Fame Tip-off Tournament

Springfield, Mass.- UAlbany Men's Basketball has been invited to be a part of the 2012 Basketball Hall of Fame Tip-off Tournament, sponsored by the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference. The annual NCAA men's exempt tournament will take place the weekend of November 16th-18th at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut featuring eight schools in two four-team brackets. All teams will also compete in two campus round games.

The other seven teams scheduled to participate in this year's Tip-Off tournament are Loyola University Maryland (MAAC), Norfolk State University (MEAC), Ohio State University (Big Ten), Seton Hall University (Big East), University of Missouri-Kansas City (Summit League), University of Rhode Island (Atlantic 10) and University of Washington (Pac-12). Of the seven teams, UAlbany has only faced Seton Hall which was back on Jan. 7, 1925 with Seton Hall winning that contest.

The 2012 Tip-Off Tournament game schedule will be separated into two brackets. The Springfield bracket will include Albany, Loyola, UMKC and Norfolk State. The Naismith bracket will consist of Ohio State, Washington, Seton Hall, and Rhode Island. Game times and sessions for both rounds will be announced at a later date.

What the head coaches said about the tournament:

Thad Matta, Ohio State University
"Opening the 2012-13 season in the Hall of Fame Tip-Off Tournament will give our team the opportunity to gauge itself against quality competition in an NCAA tournament setting. Our program appreciates the opportunity to be a part of this outstanding event."

Lorenzo Romar, University of Washington
"Coach Jim Shaw has done a great job of trying to get us in one of the premier tournaments every year and this certainly falls into that category. We are privileged and honored to be selected as a participant in the Hall of Fame Tournament. The New York experience was great, we got to do a lot of things away from basketball. When we went to the CBE Classic (Kansas City) a few years ago, we got to see the NCAA Hall of Fame. Now, to be able to see and experience the Naismith Hall of Fame is something that may be our players only opportunity to ever see it. I'm already excited!"

Anthony Evans, Norfolk State University
"We are excited to be first-time participants in the Hall of Fame Tournament. It's an honor for us to be involved with an event that is connected to the history of the game. This is a great opportunity for our program and players."

Kevin Willard, Seton Hall University
"This is a great opportunity for our program to participate in one of the marquee early season events on the national calendar. We're proud to be a part of a tournament that celebrates the tradition and history of our sport. We're excited to be a part of this impressive field and look forward to the competition next November."

Jimmy Patsos, Loyola University Maryland
"We are looking forward to participating in the Tip-Off Tournament. The Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference has formed a strong partnership with the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, and we are honored to be selected to participate in the event next year."

Matt Brown, University of Missouri-Kansas City
"We are appreciative of the opportunity to play in the Tip-Off Tournament. We are not only looking forward to playing some great teams, but also be able to expose our student-athletes to the history of the sport of Basketball at the Hall of Fame."

Will Brown, University at Albany
"We are excited to be a part of the Hall of Fame Tip-Off Tournament. We will open the season with a very challenging schedule as our first 2 games in the event will be against Ohio State and Washington. The event will also give us the opportunity to visit the Hall of Fame and play 2 more games at Mohegan Sun. This will be a great experience for our program, athletic department, university, alumni, and fans."

Jim Baron, University of Rhode Island
"We are proud to be among the field for the 2012 Hall of Fame Tip-Off Tournament. It is a
tremendous tournament with outstanding teams, coaches, and student-athletes. We are looking forward to the challenge and the opportunity to play in such a prestigious event."

For more information:
Visit on the web: www.hoophall.com
... on Facebook: www.facebook.com/BBHOF
... on Twitter: @hoophall
... or call 1-877-4-HOOPLA

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports

UAlbany Celebrates Bob Ford Day

The University at Albany coach is the active Division I leader in coaching victories with 255 and is heading into his 40th season coaching the Great Danes. Just last season, he led UAlbany to its first Football Championship Subdivision playoff appearance.

On Thursday, Mayor Jerry Jennings proclaimed Feb. 2, 2012 as Bob Ford Day, in the city of Albany.

“I’m humbled by the whole process,” Ford said.

Even Jennings, a UAlbany grad himself, admitted that this was a honor long overdue. After Ford spoke, he was met with a standing ovation from a huge crowd in the Hall of Fame room, on campus.

“Bob Ford is as good a coach as there has ever been in the college game — any sport — because of the way that his young people respond to him and the way that he conducts himself with his colleagues and the way he conducts himself in high education,” said UAlbany Director of Athletics Lee McElroy.

Ford was asked what he would do on his day and anyone who knows him wouldn’t be surprised by his answer.

“We’ll probably go up and wrap up the recruiting,” Ford said.

Ford’s address teetered on sounding like a retirement speech, but he was quick to dismiss that thought.

“I just think you have to start reflecting as you get older, what will you miss, what are the things that you’ll miss tremendously,” he said. “I’ll miss the kids and having my batteries recharged on a daily basis.”

Ford mentioned a few special moments, including a victory over current Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco, at Delaware. He also mentioned how special the players have been, speaking about one the team’s current players, Eddie Delaney, who has overcome diabetes and being born with one hand, to become an all-conference defensive end.

“For him to say that I’ve impacted his life means more than anything,” Delaney said.

Ford, who is having a hip replacement in two weeks, says he just wants to stay healthy and keep winning. Coaching has been a big enough reward for Ford, so things like Thursday’s event are just gravy.

“I’m fortunate that I get to work with young kids at a very critical time in their lives and you have a chance to mold them,” he said. “I know part of my life was molded by good high school and college coaches.”

A recent study by the University showed that more than 100 former assistants of Ford are working at the high school, college or professional ranks.

Men’s Basketball Draws Rider For The ESPN Bracketbuster Game - UAlbany Sports 2012

Albany, N.Y.- UAlbany Men's Basketball team (14-9, 6-3 AE) will face off against Rider (9-14, 6-5 MAAC) tentatively set for Saturday, Feb. 18 at SEFCU Arena (7 pm) in the ESPN Bracket buster game. The Great Danes are 0-2 in previous ESPN Bracketbuster games, having lost to Boise State by one, 83-82, on Feb. 16, 2007 and lost to Virginia Commonwealth, 70-67, on Feb. 17, 2006.

The Rider Broncs are in the Metro-Atlantic Athletic Conference and currently sit fifth in the standings with a 6-5 conference record. The Broncs are averaging 73.2 points per game on offense while allowing 76.1 points per game. One of Rider's team strengths has been shooting behind the arc boasting a 38.6 shooting percentage which ranks 32nd in the nation. The two Bronc's sharp shooters behind the arc are senior guards Brandon Penn shooting 44.3 percent (54-122 3FG) and Jeff Jones shooting 39.8 percent (45-113 3FG).

UAlbany is in the America East Conference and currently sits fourth in the standings with a 6-3 conference record. The Great Danes will have their hands full with the Broncs with what has seemed to be the team's Achilles heel, guarding the three-point shot. On the season, UAlbany ranks last in the conference defending the three-point shot allowing the opposing team to shoot 38.9 percent (178-457 3FG). To counter its lack of three-point defending has been its potent offense averaging 73.5 points per game. Junior guards Gerardo Suero, Logan Aronhalt, and Mike Black have provided to be one of the best three guard tandems averaging 50.1 points per game as a group this season.

The Great Danes continue its 2011-12 season on Wednesday, Feb. 1 against the Retrievers of UMBC at SEFCU Arena (7pm)

Stadium Design?

John Battaglino Honored as Lacrosse Magazine's Best Women's Coach of 2011 - UAlbany Sports 2012

Albany, N.Y. - After a tremendous, record-breaking 2011 women's lacrosse season for the Great Danes, head coach John Battaglino garnered numerous coaching awards after his first season in the reigns; including the recently announced Lacrosse Magazine Best Women's Coach of 2011.

Battaglino took the team 18-1 during his first season to set a program record for wins. Amongst those 18 wins was an America East Conference Championship title, the first for UAlbany, followed by the first NCAA Tournament game and first NCAA Tournament win. Topping that off, the Great Danes was the only Division I team to go undefeated in the regular season.

Lacrosse Magazine chose Battaglino for both his outstanding first season at the helm and working with a miniscule, injury-plagued roster. Battaglino told LM, "I've always been a big proponent of getting kids to make reads. I'm looking for five, six, seven kids on the scoreboard. They're all looking to score, to pounce on lanes and opportunities. It's a lot more fun to play, and it's a lot more fun to coach, especially when they start getting it. As soon as they start to see that, it's very rewarding."

The Great Danes 2012 campaign will begin at John Fallon Field on February 18th as they host Niagara.

UAlbany Football Finishes Season Ranked On Two National FCS Polls - UAlbany Sports 2012

Albany, N.Y. - The UAlbany football program finished up the 2011 season ranked on two national polls, and was receiving votes in a third. The Great Danes were voted 23rd in the Football Championship Subdivision Coaches Poll, and 21st in the Any Given Saturday FCS Poll. UAlbany also finished up the season receiving votes in the Sports Network Media Poll.

The Great Danes earned a share of their fifth Northeast Conference championship with 31-21 victory over Sacred Heart. Head coach Bob Ford, who has 255 career victories, led the program to its first NCAA FCS postseason appearance. UAlbany reached the eight-win plateau for the fourth time as a NCAA Division I FCS program. The Great Danes made their first NCAA appearance in football since 1977, taking on Stony Brook in the first round of the FCS Playoffs. UAlbany placed eleven players on the 2011 All-Northeast Conference squad, led by defensive end Eddie Delaney, who was just the second UAlbany defensive lineman to be recognized on three occasions during a career. Ford was voted the Northeast Conference Coach of the Year for the fourth time.

Paul Layton Named A 2011 ECAC Football Championship Subdivision Special Team All-Star - UAlbany Sports 2012

Albany, N.Y. - Sophomore punter Paul Layton was named a 2011 ECAC Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) Special Team All-Star, as announced by the organization. Layton, along with the rest of the first-team all-star honorees, will be recognized at the Eastern College Football Awards Banquet presented by FieldTurf on Thursday, February 16, in the Chase Club at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Layton, who hails from Burnt Hills, N.Y., finished the season sixth among the nation's punting leaders with a 42.6 average. He booted 17 kicks of 50 or more yards this season, and was named the Great Danes' Most Valuable Special Teams Player at the team banquet. He was named to the Northeast Conference First Team, and was the league's Special Teams Player of the Week on two occasions.

McNish, Lagno & Fanning Set School Records; Men Place Third, Women Place Sixth at Great Dane Classic - UAlbany Sports 2012

New York, N.Y. -Pat McNish, Paul Lagno, and Kathryn Fanning set more school records at the 10th Annual Great Dane Classic Saturday, January 20th in the NYC Armory. The men's squad finished third overall, while the women placed sixth out of 26 and 24 scoring team fields, respectively. The event featured over 50 teams.

Fanning, this week's America East Conference track performer of the week ran the 1,000 meter in 2:49.33 to place first which qualifies her for the ECAC Championships. Fanning exceeds a UAlbany record set in 2007 (2:50.74).

Lagno, also garnered America East honors this past week, soared in the mile run to finish with a time of 4:04.40. The time surpasses a record set in 2009 by over a half second.

Pat McNish soared 19' 4.00" in the long jump to finish third and qualified for the ECAC Championships. The previous school record was a half an inch shorter and set in 2009. McNish also had a 38' 8.25" triple jump score, good for eighth overall.

Elsewhere on the field, Janice Johnson garnered a 10th place finish in the shot put with a 41' 2.25" throw, a season-best. Ashley Grant had a high jump mark of 5' 5.00" to place sixth. On the track, the legs of Kamilah Williams, Elia Francis, Tynelle Taylor-Chase and Allison Rogers completed the 4 x 400 meter relay in 3:52.10 for fourth overall and qualifying for ECAC round. In the distance medley, Miranda McConnell, Allison Rogers, Sherez Mohamed, and Emily Finnegan finished in 12:01.85 for third overall; also an ECAC qualifying mark.

Alfonso Scannapieco leap 16' 8.75" to place first in the pole vault; the mark qualifies him for the IC4A Championships at the end of the season. Scannapieco also clocked an 8.65 in the 60 hurdles to place 13th overall. Chris Burke (4:13.24) had top-10 times in the mile run, while Alex Leuchanka (14:45.37), Christopher Buchanan (14:54.83) and Ethan Clary (15:12.64) placed in the top-20 in the 5,000 run. Matthew Catera and Elijah Pardo completed the 60 hurdles in 8.40 and 8.45 respectively, both top-10 performances overall. Alexander Bowen had another impressive high jump mark of 6' 11.00" to place third.

The Great Danes will take a week off before returning to the Armory the first weekend of February for the New Balance Collegiate Invitational, a two-day event.

Mike Black America East Co-Player of the Week - UAlbany Sports 2012

Cambridge, Mass.- Junior Guard Mike Black was voted the America East Conference Co-Player of the Week, which was voted on by the conference office. The other recipient for the award was Boston U.'s sophomore guard DJ Irving. This is Black's second time in his career that he has been honored with Player of the Week.

Black, a Chicago, Ill. native, had a career week in the Great Danes' two victories last week. Against New Hampshire, Black went off early in the game surpassing his previous career-high of five rebounds with seven in the first half. He would finish out the game with nine rebounds and 17 points in route to an 86-63 victory. Then versus Maine, the junior point guard matched his Wednesday night's results with nine rebounds and 15 points leading to a thrilling victory, 76-75.

Since conference play has begun, he is averaging 16.6 points per game, 5.2 assists per game, 4.4 assists per game. When the junior guard dishes out seven assists or more in a game, UAlbany is 5-0 on the season.

Five Great Danes Set Records at the Penn State Nittany Lion Challenge - UAlbany Sports 2012

University Park, Pa. - Kathyrn Fanning, Alexander Bowen, Paul Lagno and Sherez Mohamed set school records, while Alfonso Scannapieco set a new meet record at the Penn State Nittany Lion Challenge on Saturday, January 14th. The competition featured squads from Penn State, Cornell, Maryland, Pittsburgh, and West Virginia, meeting at Ashenfelther III Indoor Track.

Fanning began the day with a 4:51.88 mile time to finish third overall, setting a new UAlbany school record previously set in 2007. Alexander Bowen became the first UAlbany track and field athlete to jump over seven feet in the high jump (7' 0.25"), which is 1.25 inches more than the record previously set in 2002. Bowen, a freshman, placed second overall in the event.

Paul Lagno ousted his own record set last season in the 3,000 meter (8:16.88). Sherez Mohamed ran the 600 meter six-tenths of a second quicker than the record set last season by Brittany Eveleth, taking sixth place with the 1:36.00. Scannapieco set both a meet and personal record by soaring 16' 6.00" with the pole vault, good for first place.

In other women's track events, Jonelle White clocked a 2:15.95 800 meter time for second, while Brianne Bellon took fifth in the 1,000 meter with a 2:54.38 time. The Great Danes ran the distance medley in 12:06.87 as Emily Finnegan, Allison Rogers, Fanning and Bellon split up each leg. Pat McNish made an 18 foot and 5.25 inch leap to finish first in the long jump event.

Notable track events on the men's side include the first place 60 meter performance by Earnest Waters (6.87), while Donald Williams, Jr. clocked 6.88 in the same event. The 3,000 meter event featured a top-four Great Dane lineup; Paul Lagno took first as he clocked 8:16.66, while Chris Burke (8:27.00), Alex Leuchanka (8:28.93), and Chris Buchanan (8:33.35) completed the quartet finish. Meanwhile, Kareem Morris leaped 23 feet for a second place finish in the long jump.

The Great Danes will resume their schedule on Friday, January 20th for the 10th Annual Great Dane Classic held at the NYC Armory.

Ebone Henry Scores 1,000th Career Point; UAlbany Defeats New Hampshire, 60-44 - UAlbany Sports 2012

Albany, N.Y. - Junior guard Ebone Henry scored her 1,000th career point, while Lindsey Lowrie led all players with 23 points, as UAlbany defeated New Hampshire, 60-44, in America East Conference women's basketball action on Wednesday evening at Lundholm Gymnasium. The Great Danes, who remain in first place in the league standings, improve to 10-7 overall and 4-0 in conference play.

UAlbany jumped out to a quick 13-2 lead and never looked back. A 3-pointer by Lowrie, one of five in the game for the junior, were the first points of the contest, while Julie Forster grabbed an offensive rebound and put it back to give UAlbany a 5-0 lead three minutes into play. New Hampshire's Morgan Frame hit a jumper to put the Wildcats on the scoreboard, but Lowrie and Henry combined for six points on three straight Great Dane possessions to extend the UAlbany lead to 11-2. Forster capped the run with a jumper before Frame hit two free throws for New Hampshire with just over 12 minutes left in the first half.

The Great Danes continued to extend their lead as the half continued, getting up by 14 on another trey by Lowrie before Keyana Williams put UAlbany on top, 23-7 with a jumper at 5:27. Forster gave the Great Danes what would be their largest lead of the half, 24-7, with a free throw, before New Hampshire's Player of the Game, Kelsey Hogan, dropped in two free throws to cut the UAlbany advantage back to 15. Lowrie and Forster both hit buckets to put the Great Danes back ahead by 17 in the late going, but New Hampshire's Denise Beliveau converted a layup with just under two minutes left to set the halftime score at 28-13.

Lowrie kicked off the second half just like the first, draining a 3-pointer off an assist from Kate Cronin. UAlbany continued to roll, building up a 25-point advantage on a jumper by Lowrie at 17:14. New Hampshire's Kaylee Kilpatrick ended the Great Dane run with a layup, but Forster responded with a jumper in the paint to keep UAlbany ahead by a 25-point margin. A 3-pointer by Cari Reed kicked off a 9-0 run by the Wildcats, as New Hampshire was able to cut the deficit to 14, 40-26, with just over 13 minutes left to play. However, Henry sunk a shot from long range to end any threat by the Wildcats, and Lowrie followed with a trey of her own to keep the Great Danes ahead by 20, 46-26, with 10:48 left to play.

Henry scored her 1,000th career point on the first of two free throws with just under eight minutes left to go, which put UAlbany ahead by 22. New Hampshire continued to fight, getting the score back under 20 three more times as the game wound down. A 7-0 run by the Wildcats cut the Great Dane lead to 14, 56-42, but freshman Margarita Rosario nailed two free throws to keep UAlbany with an 18-point advantage. New Hampshire's Alexandra Leftridge scored the final basket of the game with 20 seconds remaining to set the final score.

Lowrie's 23 points on 9-of-16 shooting led three Great Danes in double figures. Henry totaled 12 points and a team-high nine rebounds, while Forster chipped in with 11 points, eight rebounds and two blocks. UAlbany shot 43.6-percent (24-55) from the floor, including 41.2 percent (7-17) from 3-point range. The Great Danes also outrebounded New Hampshire, 39-25.

Kilpatrick scored a team high 14 points for New Hampshire (8-7, AE 1-2), while Frame added eight points. Beliveau led the Wildcats off the boards with five rebounds, while also adding four points and three steals.

UAlbany (10-7, AE 4-0) will return to action on Saturday, visiting Maine in America East action.

Track & Field Sweeps America East Field Performances of the Week - UAlbany Sports 2012

Cambridge, Mass. - Unviersity at Albany's Alfonso Scannapieco and Kelsey Hanson recieve America East Confernence Field Performers of the Week with their first place finishes this past weekend at the Crowell Open.

Scannapieco placed first overall in the heptathlon with 4,956 points to begin the 2012 season for the Great Danes. He took the top spot in three field events including the long jump (21-07.25), the high jump (6-04.25) and the pole vault (15-03.00). The Crowell Open marked Scannapieco's first competiton with the Great Danes after transferring from Empire College.

Hanson, meanwhile, took first in the pentathlon with a score of 3,262, over 200 points more than the second place finisher. She leapt to victory in the long jump (16-11.50) and turned in solid second-place finishes in the high jump (5-03.25) and shot put (33-02.00).

Scannapieco and Hanson, along with the rest of the Great Dane squads, will return to action this coming weekend at the Penn State Nittany Lion Challenge in University Park, Pa.

Gerardo Suero Named Mid-Major Player of the Week - UAlbany Sports 2012

Albany, N.Y. - Gerardo Suero was named mid-major player of the week on nbadraft.net on Saturday, Jan. 7. Suero averaged 23.0 points in UAlbany's last two victories this past week. The junior guard is currently fourth in the nation in scoring with 22.1 points per game and has found the free throw line more than anyone else in the nation with 142 free-throw attempts.

Suero, the Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic native, has been one of the most consistent scorers on the Great Dane roster. In the past eight games, he has scored 20-plus points in which UAlbany is 6-2 overall. He has scored in double-digits in every game he has played in this year. Suero, a junior college transfer, has had no problem adjusting to the Division I level as he has been able to not only make it to the free-throw line more than anyone in the nation but has made the second-most free throws with 116.

Suero and the rest of the Great Danes look to win their fourth consecutive game on the road against Stony Brook on Sunday, Jan. 8 at Pritchard Gym at 2 pm.

Eddie Delaney Wins Maxwell Football Club Thomas Brookshier Spirit Award - UAlbany Sports 2012

Philadelphia, Pa. - University at Albany's Eddie Delaney has been named the winner of the Maxwell Football Club's Thomas Brookshier Spirit Award, as announced by the club's president, Ron Jaworski, on Wednesday afternoon. The Maxwell Football club has been presenting a Spirit Award since 2000, only in years when deemed appropriate. The award was re-named the Brookshier Award in 2010.

Delaney, a senior defensive end from Holtsville, N.Y., plays without a left hand and wears an insulin pump to control diabetes. An All-Northeast Conference Defensive First Team selection, Delaney made 54 tackles and led the Great Danes with 11.5 hits for a loss. He also established the program's FCS single-season record with 8.5 sacks.

In addition to excelling on the field, Delaney also devoted himself to numerous pursuits in the local community. He has taken a large role in an effort to raise awareness and funds for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and has spoken to the Sugar Free Gang on several occasions, inviting the group to attend UAlbany football games. The Sugar Free Gang, established in 1989 at Ellis Hospital in Schenectady, N.Y., actively involves children and their families as full partners with their health care providers in managing type 1 diabetes. Delaney, who developed many of his own workout and weight lifting plans, would like to work in the future to help create plans to help children overcome disabilities in the same way he did.

"This is a tremendous honor for Eddie and for the University," said UAlbany head coach Bob Ford, who led the Great Danes to the NEC Championship title and first FCS Tournament berth in 2011. "Eddie is a tribute to the sport of football and to UAlbany. He is a great role model for kids with disabilities and, in addition, he is a great football player."

The Brookshier Award was named after Tom Brookshier, who earned distinction as an All-Pro cornerback on the 1960 NFL Champion Philadelphia Eagles. After a broken leg ended his playing career, Brookshier took to the broadcast booth, working three Super Bowls with longtime partner Pat Summerall. Brookshier passed away in January 2010, and the Maxwell Football Club re-named the Spirit Award in his honor. The award is presented only when deemed appropriate, to a member of the football community who best exemplifies extraordinary spirit in overcoming adversity or demonstrating service. The award was last given to Boston College's Mark Herzlich in 2009, and has also been presented to Kevin Everett of the Buffalo Bills (2008) and Tedy Bruschi of the New England Patriots (2005).

The Maxwell Football Club was established in 1935 in Philadelphia, Pa. The organization presents the Maxwell Award for the College Player of the Year. This award is presented in honor of Robert W. (Tiny) Maxwell, legendary college player, official and sports columnist.

The 75th Maxwell Football Club National Awards Gala will be held at the Harrah's Atlantic City Resort on March 2, 2012. The event is open to the public. Tickets may be purchased on the Maxwell Football Club website at www.maxwellfootballclub.org or by calling 215-643-3833.

Dan Di Lella Named to 14th Annual FCS Athletic Directors Association Academic All-Star Team - UAlbany Sports 2012

Cleveland, Ohio - University at Albany's Dan Di Lella was named to the Football Champioship Subdivision Athletic Directors Association Academic All-Star Team, as announced by the FCS ADA and president Marilyn McNeil. Di Lella was one of 58 student-athletes selected to the Academic All-Star squad out of 92 nominees from across the country.

Di Lella, a 6-foot-5 quarterback from Neshanic Station, N.J., established school single-season records in passing yards (2,548), touchdowns passes (25) and total offense with 2,859 yards. He completed 59.9 percent of his attempts and had a 144.51 efficiency rating. Di Lella also set a program record with seven games of 200 or more passing yards. A business administration major with a minor in criminal justice, Di Lella holds a 3.22 cumulative grade point average.

Student-athletes from all FCS institutions are eligible for ADA Academic All-Star awards. Nominees are required to have a cumulative GPA of 3.20 (on a 4.00 scale) and must be a starter or key player. He must have reached his second year of athletic and academic standing and must have participated in 50 percent of the games played at his designated position.

Women's Lacrosse 2012 Schedule Features Boston College & North Carolina - UAlbany Sports 2012

Albany, N.Y. - Highlighted by eight home games at John Fallon Field and two contests against 2011 NCAA Tournament participants, second-year head coach and 2011 America East Conference Coach of the Year John Battaglino has announced the squad's 2012 schedule.

The Great Danes open the 2012 campaign on February 18th with a home match against Niagara before a four-game traveling stretch at North Carolina (Feb. 24th), Marist (Mar. 3rd), Siena (Mar. 7th), and George Mason (Mar. 10th).

UAlbany will host northeast rivals Boston College and Massachusetts in mid-March, with Longwood coming to the Capital Region on March 16th during the three-game homestand.

Conference play begins on March 24th as the defending America East champions travel to UMBC, followed by an additional non-conference game at John Fallon Field against Stanford on March 30th. The Great Danes open the month of April hosting Binghamton (3rd) and Boston University (7th). Two of the final three games of the regular season will be played on the road, traveling to New Hampshire (April 14th) and Vermont (April 28th), while the home field finale is set for April 21st against Stony Brook.

The top four seeds from the seven-team America East will qualify for the conference tournament, which will be held at the highest seed on May 3rd and 5th.

UAlbany returns 11 letterwinners from last year's record-setting team that finished 18-1 (6-0 AE); winning the conference title and advancing to the NCAA quarterfinal round.

Gerardo Suero Voted America East Player of the Week; Third Time this Season - UAlbany Sports 2012

Cambridge, Mass.- Gerardo Suero has been voted as this week's America East Conference Player of the Week, which was voted on by the conference office. In UAlbany's 1-1 record last week, Suero totaled 50 points, 17 rebounds, and 10 assists while going 13-of-16 from the free throw line to total 106 free-throws made which is second in the nation. Of the 13 free throws that he hit last week, his last free-throw came on a three-point play at the end of the Mount St. Mary's game that gave UAlbany its eighth non-conference win of the season.

Suero, a Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic native, is finding it easier and easier to score on a game-to-game basis as he averaged 25.0 points in two games last week. In the game against Maryland in the Comcast Center, he arguably had his best performance by scoring 22 points on 9-of-23 shooting, grabbing seven rebounds, five of which were offensive, and dished out eight assists. Then against Mount St. Mary's in Knott Arena, he one-upped his last performance by recording his first career double-double of 28 points and 10 rebounds, while going a perfect 10-of-10 from the free-throw line, and converting a three-point play with 38 seconds to go to give UAlbany the lead,65-64, and the eventual eighth non-conference win.

The 6-foot-4 junior guard is flourishing at the Divison I level as he has climbed as high as fourth in the nation in scoring with 22.0 points per game. Suero has been able to put up 20-plus points on 10 different occasions and has hit 20-plus in the last six games. How he has achieved his scoring at a consistent mark is not only his ability to slash to the basket but by finishing his play. Suero has hit 106-of-128 free throws on the season, which puts both numbers in the top two of the nation with free throws made second and free throws attempted first.

University of Albany Edges Mount St. Mary's, 65-64; Suero Records 1st Career Double-Double - UAlbany Sports 2011

Emmitsburg, Md.- Gerardo Suero's first career double-double of 28 points and 10 rebounds led the University at Albany (8-6) over Mount St. Mary's (2-11), 65-64, on Saturday, Dec. 31 at Knott Arena. This win gave the Great Danes eight non-conference wins this season which ties for the most non-conference wins under head coach Will Brown. UAlbany begins its conference play on Monday, Jan. 2 against Hartford at SEFCU Arena at 7 pm.

UAlbany would have three players in double-digits that included Suero's 28, Logan Aronhalt's 15 and Luke Devlin's 11. The team would hit 20-plus free throws for the second game in a row (21-23 FT). The Great Danes would edge the Mountaineers in rebounds, 35-33. Suero has recorded a 20-plus point game for the sixth consecutive time and 10 total on the season.

Mount St. Mary's were led by Julian Norfleet's 15 points and six rebounds. Two other Mountaineers hit double-digits, Danny Thompson had 14 points and Raven Barber hit 11 points while grabbing seven boards. The Mountaineers lead in shooting percentage, 45.3-36.8 percent, and in blocks, 8-1.

With the score at 51-51 at 9:51 in the second half, neither team would be able to build a lead more than four points (Mount St. Mary's 53-49 with 8:26 to play).

The Great Danes would build their biggest lead of the game of three points, which was created by Suero's layup and and-one, 61-58, with 3:54 left to play.

The Mountaineer's Norfleet would hit the game-tying three, 61-61, with 2:35 left in the game. Then Thompson would hit 3-of-4 from the free throw line in the next 45 seconds to put Mount St. Mary's up by two, 64-62, with 49 seconds to play.

Then UAlbany went to its go-to-guy Suero to not only drive and hit the game-tying layup but was fouled and would hit the eventual game-winning free throw with 38 seconds left.

UAlbany was led by Suero in the second half is he scored the Great Danes first seven of 12 points to cut the deficit to three, 44-41, with 14:21 left to play. After Mount St. Mary's Kelvin Parker hit at three to put the game to six points, 47-41, UAlbany would go on a 8-2 run which was capped by a layup from Devlin that was assisted by John Puk to tie the game at 51-51 with 9:51 left to play.

Both teams would swap baskets with Aronhalt hitting a 15-footer to tie the game, 10-10, with 14:00 left to play in the first half. Then Mount St. Mary's would go on a 14-5 run to give the Mountaineers its largest lead of the half of nine, 24-15, with 9:51 left to play in the first half. The run was capped off by Kristijan Krajina, the 6-foot-9 center, drilling a three-pointer from the right corner.

UAlbany's Aronhalt would then cut the deficit to three, 24-21, with six consecutive points by hitting a three pointer then making three consecutive free throws after being fouled behind the arc.

Mount St. Mary's would make another run of 12-6 to bring the lead back up nine, 36-27, having six

Mike Black and Gerardo Suero Lead University of Albany M Basketball Win vs. Dartmouth, 82-74 - UAlbany Sports 2011

Albany, N.Y. - Mike Black and Gerardo Suero, each with 20-point games, led the University at Albany to victory over Dartmouth, 82-74, on Friday afternoon at the SEFCU Arena. Suero has now scored 20 or more points in eight of the teams first 12 games and has hit double-digits in all 12 games.

Both teams shot better from beyond the arc than from the field as Dartmouth lead in three-point shooting percentage with 60.0 percent (49.1 FG%), while UAlbany shot 55.6 percent (48.1 FG%). UAlbany shot 95.2 percent (20-21) from the free-throw line while Dartmouth shot 72.7 percent (8-11)

Four UAlbany players finished in double-digits, while Suero and Mike Black netted 23 and 20 points, respectively. There were eight different Great Danes that recorded three rebounds or more in the game.

Dartmouth had three players in double-figures with Jabari Trotter leading the charge scoring 22 points and 5-of-6 from beyond the arc. Gabas Maldunas was three points away from a double-double tallying seven points and 13 rebounds.

To the start of the game, both UAlbany and Dartmouth traded three-pointers early and often. Through the first eight minutes of the game the teams hit a combined eight three-pointers.

UAlbany grabbed the early lead, 21-13, with 12:10 remaining in the first half. Four different Great Danes hit from beyond the arc with Jayson Guerrier coming off the bench and hitting a perfect 2-of-2 from three-point land.

Suero would find teammate Luke Devlin for the layup and the and-one to put the Great Danes up with their largest lead of the half at 17 points, 35-18, with 6:13 left in the half.

Mike Black would end the half with two free throws to give UAlbany a commanding lead, 46-31.

UAlbany (7-5) would keep its foot on the gas in the second half and let Dartmouth back into the game. The Great Danes were able to maintain a double-digit lead throughout the second half until the 3:30 mark when the Big Green's Jabari Trotter hit his fifth three-pointer of the game to cut the deficit to nine, 78-69.

The Great Danes defense shut down the Big Green's offense for the next two minutes not allowing a field goal and eventually preserving the lead to win the game by a score of 82-74.

UAlbany will finish out its non-conference schedule in the state of Maryland with the University of Maryland on Wednesday, Dec. 28 at 8 pm then to Mount St. Mary's on Saturday, Dec. 31 at 3:30.

University of Albany Grabs First Road Win Against St. Francis, 76-64; Suero Goes Over 20 for the Seventh Time - UAlbany Sports 2011

Brooklyn Heights, N.Y.- Gerardo Suero's seventh 20-plus point game (25) helped lift UAlbany to its first victory on the road over St. Francis, 76-64, on Monday, Dec. 19 at Pope PE Center. Four Great Danes hit double-figures on the game. Travis Nichols of St. Francis did his best to keep the game close scoring 25 points and shot 7-of-11 from behind the arc.

The Great Danes had eight different players score and four of them in double-figures. Suero with 25, Logan Aronhalt (14), Mike Black (11), and Ralph Watts (10). As a team, UAlbany shot 48.1 percent (25-52) from the floor, 78.6 percent (22-28) from the free throw line, and 30.8 percent (4-13) from behind the arc.

St. Francis's Travis Nichols tried to carry his team with 25 points , 7-of-11 from three-point range, grabbing seven rebounds and two steals. Ben Mockford (13) and Stefan Perunicic (11) both were in double-figures for the Terriers.

UAlbany began the half with a 10-point lead, 28-18, with 7:30 left to play. Six Great Danes figured in scoring along with forcing six turnovers. Suero lead all scorers with 10 points and grabbed two boards

The Great Danes would extend the lead to 16, 41-25, with a Ralph Watts three-pointer with :09 seconds left in the first half.

At the half, UAlbany led in shooting percentage 50 to St. Francis' 38.5. The Great Danes shot 11-of 15 free throws to the Terriers' 0-of-4.

St. Francis would not go away in the beginning of the second by forcing turnovers and going on a 20-1 run to grab the lead, 45-42, with 11:01 left to play in the second half. The Terriers, during the run, would hit five three-pointers by three different players. The Terriers were led by Travis Nichols hitting seven three-pointers in the second half.

UAlbany would climb back with five points from Logan Aronhalt to tie the game, 53-53, with 8:21 left to play in the game. Then after a Luke Devlin 12-footer to give the Great Danes the lead, 64-62, with 3:32 left in the game, UAlbany would not take its foot off the gas the rest of the game.

The Great Danes would finish the game on a 12-2 run and during the run they would go 7-of-8 from the free line to seal it. On the game, UAlbany shot 22-of-28 from the free throw line while St. Francis would go 0-of-7 .

Lowrie Leads University of Albany W Basketball to a 64-54 Win Over Sacred Heart in Non-Conference Action - UAlbany Sports 2011

Albany, N.Y. - Lindsey Lowrie recorded a career-high 26 points on 11-of-14 shooting to lead UAlbany to a 64-54 win over Sacred Heart in non-conference women's basketball on Sunday afternoon at SEFCU Arena. Lowrie, who recorded four of the Great Danes' five 3-pointers in the game, helped UAlbany improve to 6-4 overall, while Sacred Heart dropped to 9-3.

After Callan Taylor scored the game's first points for Sacred Heart, UAlbany went on an 8-0 run, getting six of those from Lowrie. The Pioneers ended the Great Dane run with a 3-pointer by Blair Koniszewski, and continued to cut into the lead, pulling to within two, 19-17, with 8:42 left to play on a jumper by Morgan Merriman. A second jumper by Merriman tied the game for the third time at 21-21, and the teams battled for the rest of the half.

Lowrie drained a jumper at 4:28 to give UAlbany a 27-23 advantage, but a free throw shot by Ericka Norman followed by a trey by Katie Shepard knotted the score back up at 27-27 with just under two minutes to play. Taylor nailed a shot from downtown to give Sacred Heart a late lead, but Ebone Henry converted a layup with just 37 ticks on the clock to pull within one, 30-29, before the teams headed to the locker rooms.

After exchanging points for two more ties early in the second half, UAlbany took a 39-36 lead on a long-range basket by Lowrie to take the lead for the final time. The Great Danes used a hot offense and a relentless defense to build up an 11-point advantage, 51-40, with 8:32 left to play. UAlbany took its largest lead of the game, 58-43, on a free throw by Tabitha Makopondo with just under five minutes to go. Sacred Heart would attempt a late rally, getting one-of-two from the charity stripe from Taylor to pull within 10, but it was too late. Strong free throw shooting by the Great Danes down the stretch sealed the victory, as Cassandra Callaway and Megan Craig went 4-for-4 from the line, while Makopondo added a point with 15 seconds to go.

Taylor, who leads active NCAA Division I players in career double-doubles, recorded her 44th, scoring 13 points and grabbing a game-high 12 rebounds. Gabrielle Washington also scored 13 points, while Merriman netted 10. Sacred Heart (9-3) shot 33.3 percent (22-66) from the floor, and was held to 25.0 percent (7-28) from behind the 3-point arc.

Lowrie's hot hand helped UAlbany shoot 37.3 (22-59) from the floor, while the defense recorded 10 steals against the Pioneers. Kate Cronin pulled down a team-high 10 rebounds, while Henry added eight points, nine rebounds and six assists. Makopondo also filled the boxscore with six points, five boards, three assists, three steals and a block.

UAlbany (6-4) will visit Canisius on Thursday for the final game before Winter Break, taking on the Griffins at 5:15 p.m.

University of Albany Volletall's Laurie Gonzalez Named AVCA Division I Honorable Mention All-American - UAlbany Sports 2011

Albany, N.Y. - University at Albany's Laurie Gonzalez was named an American Volleyball Coaches' Association Division I Honorable Mention All-American, as announced by the organization on Wednesday afternoon. Gonzalez, who was also an All-Northeast Region Honorable Mention selection, becomes the program's second Division I All-American picked by the AVCA.

Gonzalez was named the America East's top defensive specialist for the fourth consecutive season this year after leading the Great Danes to a 21-9 overall record, going 10-1 in league play. Gonzalez averaged a conference-high 5.33 digs per set and also finished with 23 service aces on the season. A native of Carolina, Puerto Rico, Gonzalez was also named to the COBRA Magazine All-Northeast Region Team.

Gonzalez joins Blair Buchanan '07 as UAlbany Division I All-Americans. Buchanan, who was the first setter in NCAA Division I history to earn her conference's player and setter of the year honors in three straight seasons, was an Honorable Mention All-American in 2004 and 2005.

University of Albany Men's Basketball Gets Back on Winning Track in 87-63 Triumph Over Colgate; Suero Has 29 Points - UAlbany Sports 2011

Albany, N.Y. - Gerardo Suero had 29 points and his team shot better than 65 percent from field en route to an 87-63 non-conference win over Colgate on Wednesday, Dec. 7 at SEFCU Arena.

UAlbany (5-4) led by 13 at halftime and extended to a 22-point margin early in the second half behind Mike Black and Suero. Black, a junior guard who 16 points and five assists, made a three-point field goal and converted a drive for a 58-37 lead. Suero, who made 11 of 14 from the floor and 7 of 9 from the line, later hit two free throws for a 64-42 advantage.

Colgate (3-5) rallied over the next six minutes. Pat Moore, who had 18 points, made two long-range jumpers in that outburst. Mitch Rolls added a three-pointer from left of the key and a 14-footer the sliced the deficit to 69-59 with 8:24 remaining.

The Great Danes, who made 36-of-55 from the floor after coming off a road loss to their crosstown rival 48 hours earlier, ended the comeback bid with six straight points. Logan Aronhalt, who netted 16 points, made a jumper and two free throws sandwiched around Black's basket in transition following Luke Devlin's steal.

"The win against Colgate will make us feel better about going into final exams," UAlbany coach Will Brown said. "I was not surprised that (Gerardo) Suero shot better than he did against Siena. He played with more confidence. We attacked the basket and he was part of that."

UAlbany scored the opening 11 points of the contest, as Suero connected on three consecutive baskets. Colgate used the three-point arc to close the gap. Rolls drilled three 3-point shots, including a 23-footer that got his club within 18-15.

The Great Danes regrouped by exploding for 14 the game's next 16 points. Aronhalt sank a baseline jumper off an inbounds pass and canned a three-pointer in transition to ignite the run. John Puk, a 6-foot-10 sophomore, added back-to-back baskets, including a jump hook in the lane. Suero helped complete the outburst with a drive and a conventional three-point play when he was fouled on a fastbreak conversion.

"We didn't want to have a bad hangover (from the other night)," offered Black, who made 7 of 12 field goals. "We wanted to make a statement tonight. The extra day of preparation helped us execute our game plan better."

Yaw Gyawu, a 6-foot-5 senior, added 14 points off the bench for the Raiders, who dropped a 63-61 decision in last year's meeting between these teams.

Paw Prints: The Great Danes posted their best field goal percentage since moving to Division I in the 1999-2000 season ... UAlbany shot 61.8% in a 108-84 victory over Southern Vermont on Jan. 25, 2000 ... UAlbany and Colgate were meeting for the 17th time ... the Raiders have won on 13 occasions in a series that began on Feb. 26, 1916 ...

UAlbany is off for fall semester exams until Dec. 17, when the Great Danes travel to Cornell ... Gerardo Suero has scored in double figures in all nine games this season ... Suero's 29 points were two off his career-high set against Syracuse on Nov. 15 ... UAlbany is one of nine programs at the Division I level without a senior on the roster ... John Puk had a season-high seven points off the bench ... Colgate coach Matt Langel is in his first season after spending the last five years as a Temple University assistant.

University of Albany's Gonzalez and Wright Named to AVCA Division I All-Northeast Region Honorable Mentions - UAlbany Sports 2011

Albany, N.Y. - Four-time America East Conference Defensive Specialist of the Year Laurie Gonzalez and all-conference first-team member Casey Wright were both named American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Division I All-Northeast Region Honorable Mentions, as announced by the organization on Tuesday.

Gonzalez was named the America East's top defensive specialist for the fourth consecutive season this year after leading the Great Danes to a 21-9 overall record, going 10-1 in league play. Gonzalez averaged a conference-high 5.33 digs per set and also finished with 23 service aces on the season. A native of Carolina, Puerto Rico, Gonzalez was also named to the COBRA Magazine All-Northeast Region Team, along with teammate Traci Vandegrift. COBRA Magazine's purpose is to celebrate the success of volleyball players of African as well as Samoan and Tongan descent in hopes of encouraging young girls of those ethnic groups across the country to pursue the sport.

Wright, a native of Ballston Spa, N.Y., earned her first AVCA All-Region award as well, after leading the Great Danes and finishing fourth in the conference with 3.37 kills per set. She also led the America East in hitting percentage for the third straight season, hitting at a .393 clip, and was ranked eighth in blocks (0.81 per set). Wright, who helped lead UAlbany to their sixth conference title in the last eight years, was ranked fourth in points, averaging 3.95 per set.

-agate-

AVCA Division I All-Northeast Region Honorable Mentions


Laurie Gonzalez, Sr., L

Casey Wright, Sr., MB

COBRA Magazine All-Northeast Region Team

Laurie Gonzalez, Sr., L

Traci Vandegrift, Jr., OH