The University at Albany men’s basketball team secured a pivotal 72-68 victory over Manhattan on Thursday at Draddy Gymnasium in the Bronx, marking the program’s first 2-0 start in six seasons under head coach Dwayne Killings. The win, achieved during the first night of the America East-Metro Basketball Challenge, snapped a recent trend of slow starts; last season, the Great Danes waited until their 13th game on Dec. 17 to secure their first Division I win. This early success contrasts sharply with the 2024-25 campaign, where a loss in the season opener preceded a five-game winning streak.
Freshmen shine in road win, marking first back-to-back victories under Dwayne Killings.
Two freshmen playing their first collegiate road games were instrumental in the Great Danes’ offensive execution, providing the spark needed to overcome a competitive Manhattan squad. The team demonstrated resilience following a close season opener against Division III Rhode Island College on Monday, translating that intensity into a decisive road performance. Killings emphasized the team’s culture of continuous improvement, stating, “Our team right now, we’re really focused on growing and learning how to win, but also earning respect. We’ve got to do that one game at a time.”
The victory is historically significant for the program, as UAlbany had not won its first two games of a season since the 2017-18 campaign when they started 6-0 under former coach Will Brown. By checking this milestone off early, the Great Danes have established a strong foundation for the upcoming America East schedule. The win not only boosts confidence but also sets a new standard for consistency under Killings, who is now aiming to extend the winning streak and solidify the team’s position in the conference race.
Source: Yahoo Sports
