News & notes

 Siena needed a win on Thursday to lock up the #2 seed in the MAAC tournament next week in Atlantic City. Instead, they dropped a 74-52 decision to Niagara, which puts them in jeopardy of losing out on that coveted seed if they lose again on Saturday.

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The Albany Patroons return to action tonight at the Washington Avenue Armory vs. Massachusetts, but the real question is if they can jell in a hurry, as coach-GM Will Brown is only getting to know his players this week.

We've seen this with the Tri-City Valleycats when they were affiliated with the Houston Astros (2002-20), but a work in progress might not be enough to satisfy the finicky fans in Albany. We'll see.

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Siena's women's basketball team closed the home portion of their schedule Thursday by beating St. Peter's, 69-58. Ahniysha Jackson (Albany High) had 14 points. Valencia Fontanelle-Posson (Guilderland) had a season best 13 points and 11 rebounds.

The Lady Saints close at Monmouth tomorrow.

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Thursday's sectional scoreboard:

Men's Class A:

Gloversville continued its Cinderella run, beating Amsterdam, 60-50. James Collar & Anthony Gray led a balanced Dragons attack with 16 points each.

Mekeel Christian, technically the defending champions since they won in 2020, defeated Foothills Council champ Hudson Falls, 64-50. Zahid Fallen had 17 points to lead 4 Lions in double figures.

The title game is set for approximately 2 pm on Saturday.

Men's Class D:

Northville downed North Warren, 45-36, earning a date with OESJ in the final, which will be Saturday's opening act at 11 am.

When we say approximately in terms of game times, it's because Section II insists on blocking out 90 minutes per game, not accounting for overtime.

Women's Class AA:

Albany avenged a regular season loss to Shaker, eliminating the Lady Bison, 46-40. Azera Gates, just a freshman, led the Lady Falcons with 18 points. It's been 9 years since Albany last won the AA title (same year Troy won the A title, 2013), but to get there, they'll have to continue the revenge tour.

Shenendehowa downed Colonie, 53-39. Kaliegh Montanez led all scorers with 26 points. Jillian Huerter added 11.

Fittingly, the rematch between the Falcons & Plainswomen will be the nightcap, with a 6 pm tip on Saturday night.

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With RPI's hockey team in the playoffs, fans are finally being admitted to Houston Field House tonight for the opening game of a 1st round series vs. Dartmouth. The Big Green return to Troy after losing, 6-3, one week ago. Tonight's game will be streamed on RPI-TV, available on YouTube.