Nov 17, 2001

Box Score

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - Brian Burke scored 20 points and had six assists to lift Lafayette to a 80-72 victory over Albany in the season opener for both teams Saturday.

Lafayette (1-0) overcame a 39-38 halftime deficit with a 20-7 run to start the final half. Kenny Grant was fouled as he scored on a backdoor layup and his three-point play gave the Leopards the lead on the first possession of the half.

Albany (0-1) rallied to within one point on two occasions in the final three minutes. Will Brand, who had 14 points and 10 rebounds, converted a shot off a missed three-pointer to close the gap to 73-72 with 2:23 left. But the Leopards stayed ahead by connecting on 7 of 10 free throws over the last two minutes.

E.J. Gallup led Albany with a game-high 26 points. Antione Johnson and Rhasheed Peterson scored 11 points each for the Great Danes.

Justin DeBerry finished with 13 points while Mick Kuberka added 12 for Lafayette. Ben Saxton scored 11 points for the Leopards.