Surge in first lifts Albany by Maine Bears drop 3rd game in league

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ALBANY, N.Y. – Albany rattled off a 14-3 scoring run to end the first half Saturday night, building an eight-point lead that helped the Great Danes earn a 76-56 America East men’s basketball victory over the University of Maine in front of 2,027 fans at the Recreation and Convocation Center.

Coach Ted Woodward’s Black Bears slipped to 5-9 overall, 0-3 in conference play.

Albany improved to 7-6 and 4-0, respectively, while extending its league win streak to four games for the first time since joining America East in 2001-02.

The Great Danes played well offensively, shooting 46 percent from the field, and earned an 18-9 edge from the foul line. Albany also came away with a 43-29 rebounding advantage.

“They were clearly the preseason No. 1 pick in the league,” Woodward said. “They’re an outstanding basketball team that’s playing very well right now. Anybody who goes into their gym has a heck of a challenge ahead of them.”

UMaine shot 35 percent from the floor, but made only nine assists among its 20 field goals.

Rashard Turner sparked UMaine with 18 points, while freshman Philip Tchekane Bofia contributed 12 points and eight rebounds. However, Bofia was ejected for a flagrant foul with 10.4 seconds left in the contest and may face further disciplinary action after the situation is reviewed by America East.

Jamar Wilson and Brent Wilson each had 16 points to lead Albany. Lucious Jordan chipped in with 13 points, while Brian Lillis provided eight points, 12 rebounds and six assists.

Jamar Wilson played a key role in the Great Danes’ surge late in the first half. He hit a 3-pointer from the top of the key, then made a fast-break layup to help Albany take a 36-28 lead into the break.

“I thought we battled really well the first 25-27 minutes of the ballgame,” Woodward said. “It was really back and forth and I like the way we were defending; I like the way we scored.”

UMaine hung around for a while, closing within 44-38 on Freddy Petkus’ 3-pointer, but Albany scored nine of the next 10 points to pull away for good. Jon Iati made a 3-pointer and three free throws during the Great Danes’ clinching run.

“They had a stretch where they hit a couple threes back to back and pushed an eight-point lead to 14,” said Woodward, who then implemented some pressure and trapping in attempt to keep the game close.

“Once we got behind, especially on their home court, felt we had to get the tempo up, get a few turnovers and get out in the open court and maybe get a few easy ones,” Woodward said.

Albany got a few easy baskets of its own and was ultimately able to extend its lead.

UMaine returns home for a Thursday night conference home game against Binghamton.

GREAT DANES 76, BLACK BEARS 56

Maine (5-9) Albany (7-6)

Player G AG F AF TP Player G AG AF TP

Avheniemi 0 2 0 0 0 Jordan 4 9 13

Tchkn Bfia 4 12 3 5 12 B. Wilson 7 15 0 0 16

R. Turner 7 15 1 1 18 Zoellner 2 6

E. Turner 3 11 0 2 7 Lillis 2 2 8

Sheets 2 8 2 2 7 J. Wilson 6 12 2 2 16

Bruff 0 2 1 2 1 Siggers 1 2 2

Hight 0 0 0 0 0 Levine 3 7 8

Petkus 1 4 0 0 3 Iati 1 5 6

Cavanagh 3 3 2 3 8 Knotts 0 0 1

Connelly 0 0 0

Covington 0 0 0

Totals 20 57 9 15 56 Totals 26 57 18 25 76

Maine 28 56

Albany 36 76

3-pt. goals – Maine (7-23): Tchekane Bofia 1-2, R. Turner 3-6, E. Turner 1-5, Sheets 1-6, Petkus 1-4; Albany (6-16): Jordan 0-2, B. Wilson 2-5, Lillis 1-1, J. Wilson 2-5, Iati 1-3

Attendance: 2,027