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No UAlbany-Siena Men's Basketball Game In 2018 After 17 Years

Siena and UAlbany play for at SEFCU Arena for the only time in the Division I era.
Siena and UAlbany play for at SEFCU Arena for the only time in the Division I era.

After 17 years, the men’s basketball rivalry game between the University at Albany and Siena College will not be played this fall. UAlbany and Siena released their non-conference schedules on Thursday — minus the annual matchup against each other. UAlbany and Siena had played every fall since 2001. All but one of those games took place on Siena’s home court, the Times Union Center, which can hold more than 15,000 fans. UAlbany has been pushing to alternate sites. The Great Danes hosted the game in the smaller SEFCU Arena for the only time in 2016.

In an interview with WAMC in July, new Siena coach Jamion Christian said the Saints were leaving a slot open.

“We're in the Capital Region here and so we should play it at a place where everyone can enjoy it and everyone can see it," he said. "I believe that and our Siena fans believe that as well, and I stand firmly with them on that."

UAlbany coach Will Brown contends it’s only fair to take turns hosting.

“While we fully understand the importance of the Albany Cup to the community, we also believe that in fairness to our student-athletes, campus, alumni and fans that this series, like virtually every other college basketball rivalry series, should be played on each team’s home court,” said UAlbany Director of Athletics, Mark Benson, in a statement. “We will continue to have a dialogue with Siena in hopes of reaching a more equitable agreement.”

A lifelong resident of the Capital Region, Ian joined WAMC in late 2008 and became news director in 2013. He began working on Morning Edition and has produced The Capitol Connection, Congressional Corner, and several other WAMC programs. Ian can also be heard as the host of the WAMC News Podcast and on The Roundtable and various newscasts. Ian holds a BA in English and journalism and an MA in English, both from the University at Albany, where he has taught journalism since 2013.
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