Brandon Vanenburg
The University at Albany men's basketball team fought its way back from a 16-point deficit over Maine on the road to win 72-68 on the road. The win was the third consecutive for the Great Danes late in the season, moving them to second place in the America East standings.
UAlbany's offense really stepped up in the second half of the game shooting 52.% and 63.6% from three after a slow first half where the Great Danes offense shot 41.4% from the field and 25.0% three-point range.
UAlbany's defense struggled early against Maine Maine had a lead for 26:06, 65.3% of the game, including a lead of 16 points late in the first half. The Black Bears got out to a 13-0 run to push the lead to 25-15 before Matt Cerruti put a stop to it by making a layup.
Shooting guard Matt Cerruti led the Great Danes with 18 points, going 4-5 from long distance with two steals, an assist, and a rebound. Point Guard Jamel Horton who finished with 14 points, 10 of which came in the second half gave UAlbany the spark they needed to make the comeback. Chuck Champion added six rebounds, three assists, and two steals – all of which were team highs.
“Before the game, we talked about being focused, and how important being focused on the road was going to be,” said UAlbany Head Coach Dwayne Killings ``We got into a deep hole, and we went deep into our bench. Ny'Mire Little gave us a big spark in the first half… We found a way to win it. It wasn't perfect, it wasn't pretty, but we found a way."
The Great Danes finish up their road trip with a matchup this Saturday against archrival Stony Brook. Stony Brook cannot compete in the American East playoffs, but the matchup should be a battle nonetheless.