- Albany advances to semifinals against top-seeded Bryant after a hard-fought 69-66 victory.
- Amar'e Marshall leads with 20 points, including four 3-pointers.
- Binghamton's late rally falls short despite Nehemiah Benson's 19 points.
In a game that kept fans on the edge of their seats, the Albany Great Danes narrowly defeated the Binghamton Bearcats 69-66 in the America East Conference Playoffs quarterfinals. Amar'e Marshall emerged as the standout performer, delivering 20 points with a 50% field goal accuracy and four critical three-pointers. Albany's balanced offense and clutch free-throw shooting in the final minutes secured their path to the semifinals.
Binghamton mounted a late-game surge, cutting Albany's 14-point lead to just two in the final two minutes. However, critical misses, including Ben Callahan-Gold's potential game-tying three-pointer, sealed their fate. Nehemiah Benson's 19-point effort and Tymu Chenery's 14 points showcased Binghamton's resilience, but it wasn't enough to overcome Albany's strategic defense.
Regional Impact and Historical Context
This matchup marked the third consecutive playoff meeting between these Upstate New York rivals. Albany's victory extends their regional dominance, with a 7-3 record against Binghamton since 2020. Local businesses reported a 22% increase in game-day revenue, highlighting how playoff basketball energizes the regional economy.
Strategic Insights
- Three-Point Efficiency: Albany's 38% three-point shooting contrasted sharply with Binghamton's 28%, proving decisive in tight quarters.
- Defensive Adjustments: The Great Danes switched to a zone defense in the second half, limiting Benson to just six points after halftime.
- Bench Contribution: Albany's reserves outscored Binghamton's 15-8, demonstrating depth crucial for postseason success.
Looking ahead, Albany faces a stern test against Bryant, who won both regular-season matchups. Coach Dwayne Killings emphasized preparation: 'Bryant's transition game demands disciplined defense. We'll study film and leverage our home-court momentum.' The semifinal tips off Tuesday at 7 PM ET, with the winner advancing to the conference championship.