News & notes

 UAlbany's women's basketball team is one step closer to repeating as America East champions after disposing of UMass-Lowell, 59-51, in front of less that 600 fans at Hudson Valley Community College. Lilly Phillips (Cambridge) came off the injured list, and contributed six points. Kayla Cooper led Albany with 13 points. Grace Heeps (Columbia/UMass) added six. Abby Ray (Saratoga) didn't play.

The Lady Danes will get three days off before their next game, Sunday at HVCC, vs. Maine.

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Section II hockey champ Bethlehem has earned another home game, as they'll start state regional play Saturday at home vs. Suffern. This might be the key to ending the state regional jinx that has plagued Section II teams for years. Queensbury, playing in Division II, is waiting to find out who their opponent will be on Saturday.

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Get ready for some tabloid drama with the Albany Empire.

The team announced Wednesday that 2nd generation star Antonio Brown, who was in grade school when father Eddie starred for the Firebirds in the 90's, has joined the ownership group, and that Eddie also has a stake in the team. However, media efforts to contact Eddie Brown in Florida have been in vain to this point.

What strikes me as odd is WNYT anchor Rodger Wyland, writing in today's Albany Times-Union, actually endorsing this move, despite the baggage Antonio is bringing with him due to his diva behavior and legal troubles the last few years. Maybe he thinks being back in the 518 for business purposes only might change Antonio Brown's attitude. The 34 year old receiver will not suit up for the Empire, perhaps knowing what kind of scrutiny that would bring.

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Troy High has one more Foothills Council pelt to collect before claiming another Section II Class A title.

The Flying Horses (12-10) got balanced scoring from Terrance Clark (18 points) and Stetson Merritt (17) to offset Hudson Falls' Peyton Smith and his game high 26 points, as Troy advances to Saturday's title game, 53-50.

Up next will be Amsterdam, which spoiled the dreams of Troy residents by beating Lansingburgh, 75-63. I know there were more than a few people who wanted to see a rematch of the 2016 title game between the Knights & Horses, but it was not to be. Tip time Saturday is approximately 2:30 pm. Considering Wednesday's opening game between Glens Falls & Tamarac, ran long, delaying Troy-Hudson Falls by about half an hour, now you know why I have to use "approximately".

In the Class B semi, Glens Falls, in front of the home fans, eliminated Tamarac, 59-57. They'll play Saturday against Catholic Central at 12:45.

In Class D, Northville defeated Loudonville Christian, 39-30, in a low scoring affair. Northville advances to the finals, where they'll play the winner of today's North Warren-Argyle game.

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College lacrosse results:

Men:

Dean 17, Russell Sage 10.

St. Anselm 16, St. Rose 6.

Union 13, Endicott 6,

Skidmore 22, SUNY-Oneonta 6.

Women:

Siena 14, St. Bonaventure 12.

Syracuse 22, UAlbany 5.