ALBANY, N.Y. – The University at Albany has one final game remaining in 2018, and one final non-conference game of the 2018-19 regular season. The Great Danes will close each with a visit to Niagara on December 31.
UAlbany (4-10) travelled directly to Niagara from their previous opponent, Kent State, their opponent on December 28. Against the Golden Flashes, who are coached by UAlbany alumnus and former student assistant coach in the men's basketball program Rob Senderoff, the Great Danes opened up a double-digit first half lead before Kent State came storming back to take an eight-point. UAlbany responded in kind, tying the game at 34 at halftime.
The teams battled back and forth in the second half. When Kent State went on a run UAlbany responded with an equal run to keep the game tight. UAlbany kept the game either tied or within one possession late in the second half thanks in part to a run of seven consecutive made free throws from junior guard Ahmad Clark. Tying the game within the final 30 seconds, UAlbany ultimately fell after a foul call 30 feet from the basket sent Kent State to the line. The Golden Flashes converted both attempts and went on to win the game 70-68.
Niagara last played on December 29 against Norfolk State, defeating the Spartans by eight, 83-75. Niagara built its eight-point margin in the first half, and held steady against Norfolk State through the duration of the second. It was Niagara's fifth win in its last six games, after starting the season 2-4. The Purple Eagles will be UAlbany's fifth MAAC opponent this season.
Following the most recent results, UAlbany is now seventh in the America East standings, half a game behind Binghamton, who plays at Michigan on Sunday. Stony Brook still holds the top spot in the conference at 12-3, followed by Vermont at 9-4, and UMass Lowell at 8-7. Defending champion UMBC is the only other team in the America East with a .500 or better record at 7-7.
Following the game against Niagara, the Great Danes open America East play against preseason conference favorite Vermont on January 5 at SEFCU Arena.
THE OUTLOOK: NIAGARA (7-5) | Monday, December 31, 3:30 p.m. | Niagara, N.Y.
Last we met: W, 65-56, December 23, 2015, Albany, N.Y.
Tale of the Tape
- UAlbany is 1-5 on the road this season
- Niagara is 4-2 at home
- Niagara has won five of six after losing three straight
- Niagara defeated New Hampshire 71-67
- Niagara was picked to finish ninth in the MAAC preseason poll
- Niagara is the only team in the MAAC with a winning record
- UAlbany is 3-1 against MAAC opponents this season
Series History: Niagara leads 10-3
2017-18 Record: 19-14, (12-6 MAAC); third place MAAC, MAAC quarterfinals, CIT First Round
Top Offensive Player: Marvin Prochet, Sr., F, (18.8 / 9.6 / 1.3)
