UAlbany And Colgate Tip-Off On Saturday In Hamilton, N.Y.

1. State Supremacy UAlbany faces its final non-conference New York school on Saturday, Dec. 8 against Colgate in Hamilton, N.Y. at Cotterell Court. The Great Danes have already defeated Staten Island's Wagner (66-63), Loudonville's Siena College (69-56), and Brooklyn Heights' St. Francis (77-73). The Great Danes are currently 4-13 all-time against the Colgate Raiders. However, UAlbany is 4-3 against the Raiders since entering Division I. 2. Danes Remain Perfect At HomeFollowing a very emotional win over crosstown rival Siena at the Times Union Center, UAlbany looked to stay perfect in the SEFCU Arena. The Danes defeated Duquesne and Wagner earlier in the season at home. Beginning the game with an 18-0, UAlbany felt as though the game was already over. St. Francis climbed back to keep the game within reach. However, 21 points by senior guard Mike Black and 20 points by Jacob Iati, including two clutch free throws proved to be too much for the Terriers in the end. 3. The A In UAlbany Stands For Accuracy A big reason for the hot start through the first nine games has been the team's accurate shooting. Overall, the Great Danes are shooting a staggering 46.4 percent (205-442), which is 64th best in the nation. From behind the arc, UAlbany is shooting 40.5 percent (66-163), which ranks them tied-for 22nd in the nation. At the charity stripe, the team is hitting 73.3 percent (137-187) of its free throws, putting them tied-for 69th in the country. 4. A Homely-Feeling DecemberEven though UAlbany went 5-2 in the month of November having traveled 6768 miles and played six games in 12 day, the Great Danes will have a chance to use the month of December to recharge their traveling batteries. In the seven games, UAlbany will have to travel just 944 miles (720 round trip to Navy) while playing four games in the SEFCU Arena. 5. Cracking The Mid-Major Top-25For the second time in program history, UAlbany men's basketball cracked the College Insider Mid-Major Top-25 poll on Monday, Dec. 2 ranked 25th with 61 votes. The last time UAlbany was placed in the mid-major top-25 was on Nov. 8, 2006, following its first appearance in the NCAA Tournament. UAlbany is off to its best start in Division I with a 6-2 record through the first eight games.