A Battle of the Dogs: Albany Comes out on Top

     Coming off a loss against Vermont, UMBC just could not hold their own against the Great Danes. The game on January 18th ended up being a blowout, the final score being 59-73 in Albany’s favor. UMBC was the one to break the ice as Nolan Gerrity scored the first points in the game with a layup. Albany’s Joe Cremo quickly answered tying the score 2-2. The game continued on each team scoring and the other answering until there was 7 minutes left in the first half. Thanks to David Nichols’ three point shot and Joe Cremo’s layup, Albany began to pull ahead 27-20. Albany was able to put up 10 points, while UMBC could only squeeze in 5. The half ended with Albany up 12 and the score 37-25.

     After the half, Albany scored a quick 5 points thanks to a free shot and layup from Stire, and a jump shot made by Nichols. UMBC’s K.J. Maura was able to break up the streak by executing a 3 point jump shot. Both teams continued to steadily put up points, and at the end of the 16 minute mark, the score was 46-32 Albany. This quickly ended because UMBC was unable to score for a full 7 minutes while Albany continued to hammer out shots.  The game continued with UMBC slowly putting up points and Albany steadily making layups. The game ended without much fanfare, 77-50 Albany.

     This win against UMBC was just what Albany needed as it broke their three game losing streak in the America East conference. If Albany had lost, it would have been the first time since 2002 that they would start 0-4 in league play. This game accounted for Ryan Odom's first loss against Albany, as it is his first season as UMBC's head coach. Odom said that he, “believes his program is a "sleeping giant".” (Selig) Unfortunately, it seems as if UMBC has a long way to go before waking up.