Saturday night, the University at Albany men's basketball team was victorious in the 2021 Big Purple Growl in thrilling fashion. The Great Danes hung on to beat Columbia 60-59. Down one, UAlbany's De'Vondre Perry went to the free throw line with three seconds on the clock. He sank both to put the Great Danes in the lead in front of a roaring crowd at SEFCU Arena, sealing the win.

Jay Bendlin
Jay Bendlin
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It seemed like it was going to be an easy night for Great Danes head coach Dwayne Killings and his new squad. UAlbany built a 21 point mid first half lead, only to see it whittle to 5 by halftime. For the entire second half, UAlbany and Columbia battled to cling to a lead. Perry's foul shots were the difference. Any win is a good win right now for this young Great Danes squad.

Jay Bendlin
Jay Bendlin
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Killings was happy with the victory, "We found a way to close it out. I'm really proud of our guys. I thought we spent the last two or three days really working on our offense, and it clicked in the first half. I think after that we got tight, and it showed a bit… It's a great win for us, it's a great night. I thought the crowd was great, especially towards the end. The energy and the loudness in the gym was terrific for us. That's where we are trying to go - we want to make this an everyday thing, not just a Big Purple Growl thing."

Jay Bendlin
Jay Bendlin
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Monday night the UAlbany Great Danes continue their lesson plan under Coach Killings. Their non-conference schedule is a bear. Killings is aware but sees the benefits. "Monday presents a tremendous opportunity to compete against an ACC opponent on the road. As we continue our journey through this season, I am excited to see the growth of our program and players against a tough and versatile Boston College team" said Killings.

Jay Bendlin
Jay Bendlin
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Boston College comes into Monday's game with an overall record of 6-4. The team is averaging 68.3 ppg, limiting opponents to just 61.7 ppg. Those are not encouraging numbers for the visiting Great Danes. The Eagles are shooting 44.7% from the field, 35.8% from three, and 69.8% from the free throw line. More tough numbers for the Danes to digest from their ACC opponent. Oh yeah, Boston College has four players that are averaging double-digit figures in scoring, sophomore DeMarr Langford, Jr at 12.3 ppg, graduate student Makai Ashton-Langford at 11.5 ppg, junior T.J Bickerstaff with 10.4 ppg and freshman Jaeden Zackery adding 10 points per game. BC is led by new head coach, Earl Grant. This will be a tough match-up for the young Great Danes.

Jay Bendlin
Jay Bendlin
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You can listen to Rodger Wyland and Eric Hannmann with the play by play action starting with their pre-game show beginning at 7:45pm on 104.5 FM, The Team.

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