UAlbany Pummels UMBC In America East Conference Opener

The first place Albany Great Danes, despite a sluggish first half, whooped the Retrievers of UMBC Wednesday night 65-48 to open America East Conference play with a win.

Mike Black led the Danes with 17 points followed by Jacob Iati's 15 points. Will Brown's club was solid from the floor, shooting 45.5% from the floor and made their free throws as well hitting 20 of 25 from the charity stripe.

UAlbany has now reeled off nine wins in their last 10 ballgames and are getting solid contributions from their back court on a regular basis. UA led at the half but only by six over the struggling Retrievers, 30-24. Maryland-Baltimore County entered the game with a dismal 2-11 record and left Albany 2-12. The Danes outscored the Retrievers 35-24 in the last 20 minutes.

The Great Danes' bench came up big combining for 25 points, led by Peter Hooley and Sam Rowley who each scored 8 points. Rowley also had seven rebounds which tied starting center John Puk.

Next up could be considered the team's first BIG conference game Saturday when UAlbany goes to Vermont before finishing a two game road trip at Binghamton next week on Monday.