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Brian Lillis and Jon Iati did all they could do trying to extend their college careers, but they just weren't enough. For the second time in 5 games a UAlbany player hits a three with less than 10 seconds to tie the game and force OT. For the second time in 5 games UAlbany can't build off of that and loses the game in OT. The two players who hit those threes happened to be Lillis and Iati. Brian Lillis led the team with 24 points, 5 assists, and 4 rebounds. While, Jon Iati went 4-5 from beyond the arc on his way to 16 points. Those two seniors leave everything they have on the court every game they play and it's been great to watch them play here at UAlbany.
Back to the game: The average person instinctively thinks when teams are winning it's because the players and when teams are losing it's because the coach. I don't normally agree with that, but I'll make an exception to that tonight. I think Will Brown did a terrible job of keeping his best players on the court for this game. UAlbany was playing real well out of the gate with Lillis, Iati, Brent Wilson, Josh Martin, and Al Turley in the game. With Martin playing point and Turley banging around inside, the three seniors combined for 28 of 29 points and the Danes had an 8 point lead. I don't think those players should've stayed on the court the entire game, but that group better be out there for a majority of it if you're getting that production. For some reason, Will Brown seemed inclined to keep Brian Connelly in there who didn't provide much defense or anything cllose to a spark. Sure, he was 3-3 from the field, but anyone can make 3 layups and stand around for the rest of the time. And yes, I know Martin was terrible from the field today, but he gave the Danes quickness and great ballhandling skills, along with great perimeter defense. However, if I could ask Coach Brown one question, it would be: Why wasn't Al Turley on the court for most of the game? He uses his strength to muscle around the opposition and gives UA a solid inside presence on both ends of the court. I'm sorry, Brett Gifford is terrible. I don't care how much the fans cheer for him. He doesn't have a good basketball IQ, and might as well be 5'11" since he doesn't provide much at all. Please keep Turley in the game and "Giff" on the bench.
Well at least the next few years look promising, with the returning players and the talented recruits.
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