VIDEO: Albany Hits Buzzer-Beater To Make NCAA Tournament
By Jacob Rude
The Albany Great Danes’ hopes for a third straight appearance in the NCAA Tournament were looking dire on Saturday afternoon. However, down just two points in the closing seconds, Peter Hooley corralled a loose ball, heaved up the shot, and hit Albany’s first three-pointer of the day to give them the victory over Stony Brook and the American East title.
The win denied the Stony Brook Seawolves their first ever trip to the NCAA Tournament, while also serving as giving the Danes their third straight American East title.
The Great Danes were chasing the lead for much of the second half, Stony Brook leading for the entire second-half save for the final second. Even as late as 2:26 left in the half, the Seawolves led by seven points at 47-40. The Danes finished the half on an 11-3 run, finished off with the dagger by Hooley.
Forward Sean Rowley led the way for Albany with 14 points, while Ryan Singletary chipped in 11 and Hooley had 10 of his own. The Danes struggled shooting all day long, finishing just 19-61 from the field and 1-10 from the three-point line.
Joe Lunardi currently has Albany as a 14-seed in the tournament.