UAlbany looks to stay unbeaten at home against Columbia

ALBANY, NY (NEWS10) -- The UAlbany men's basketball team hung tight with Georgetown out of the Big East for a half on Saturday, before ultimately falling 100-68. Playing a power four opponent is always a tough test, but the schedule for the Great Danes doesn't lighten up much. UAlbany welcomes in an 8-0 Columbia team to the Broadview Center on Wednesday.

The Lions received two votes in the latest Associated Press Top 25 Poll. UAlbany beat Columbia 78-75 on the road last season.

This time the two teams run it back at the Broadview Center, where the Great Danes are 2-0 this season. Protecting homecourt is something this team takes seriously, especially against an in-state opponent. "Our guys have come out and said they want to try to be undefeated at home," said head coach Dwayne Killings. "I mean, that's a big statement. This is probably the first step towards showing, 'Okay, you can really get this done. You've got a team that's 8-0 walking into your building, how are you going to execute, how you're going to compete?' Then you talk about trying to get some cachet within the state. I think it's huge. I mean, you beat Siena locally. You've got this game. Down the road you play Stony Brook, you play Fordham. We've got a chance to do something special in that realm. But it starts with this opportunity."

"I think we take a lot of pride in that," said junior guard Kheni Briggs. "I feel like for this community and the fans, I think it's important that we win every game here."

Tip-off on Wednesday is set for 6:30 PM.