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Shorthanded Great Danes Make Easy Work of Union Dutchwomen


John Maybee | UAlbany Athletics

Edwards Kemedjio


The UAlbany Great Danes womens basketball teams defeated Division lll opponent Union 88-37 in their final non-conference game. The Great Danes led the Dutchwomen from start to finish as they head into conference play at 7-4 on the season and 6-0 at home.


The UAlbany women came into this game shorthanded, playing with only eight players due to health and safety protocols. “I think we had to make sure we had tunnel vision,” said Head Coach Colleen Mullen. “We practiced the last two days with eight players. It's not easy when the coaches are playing defense.”


The Great Danes had their best offensive output of the season. UAlbany had a season-high ten makes from three-point range including going 7-10 from distance in the first half. The team’s 88 points scored last night was easily their highest scoring output of the season. “To have five players in double figures and have such a balanced attack,” said Mullen. “That was definitely one of our goals tonight.”


UAlbany’s Kayla Cooper had a career day off the bench. The sophomore forward had a career-high 25 points and 11 rebounds and was a perfect 11-11 from the free-throw line as her dominant play led the way for the Great Danes.


Cooper spoke on how the team viewed this matchup as an opportunity after their time off during the holidays. “I think I was just trying to use this to get myself back into the game,” said Cooper. “This is our last non-conference game…I really wanted to make sure I practice what I want to be able to do.”


The UAlbany defense was also on full display Tuesday night. Along with holding Union to 37 points on 21% shooting, the Great Danes forced 19 turnovers, 14 of which were steals, which led to 22 points on the other end. UAlbany also tallied five blocks and a season-high 52 rebounds.


The Great Danes will enter American East play with a winning record for the first time since the 2017-18 season. They will begin conference play Thursday on the road against Hartford.



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