UAlbany Readies for Ferocious Weekend of Basketball

UAlbany junior guard Grace Heeps
Junior guard Grace Heeps and the UAlbany women prepare to face crosstown rival Siena on Sunday, Dec. 12 at SEFCU Arena. (Photo by Jay Bendlin, UAlbany Athletics)

ALBANY, N.Y. (Dec. 9, 2021) – Basketball will take center stage at UAlbany this weekend as both the men’s and women’s teams prepare to welcome foes to SEFCU Arena for important games as important traditions make a return to the Capital Region.

First up on Saturday, the men’s team will welcome Columbia University at 7 p.m. Saturday for the 24th Annual Big Purple Growl and Ferocious Feast.

Then on Sunday, the women’s team is set to renew its rivalry with crosstown foe Siena for the Albany Cup, when the Saints travel to the Uptown Campus for a 2 p.m. tilt at SEFCU Arena. The 11th match between the teams, the Great Danes will look to avenge a 52-46 defeat to Siena from 2019 and restart another win streak as they did while winning eight straight from 2010-2017.

UAlbany Men vs. Columbia

Marking a return following the COVID restrictions of 2020-21, the Big Purple Growl and Ferocious Feast will feature free rally towels for students, a halftime performance, and the Alumni Association’s annual Ferocious Feast before the game.

The first 1,500 students to walk through the doors of SEFCU Arena will be greeted with a free UAlbany rally towel featuring the phrase "Growl as One" printed across the front. Students are encouraged to wave their towels and make some noise, all game long, in support of the Great Danes. As is for all men’s and women’s games, UAlbany students get in free with a valid student ID.

The Ferocious Feast is fun for everyone with music, beer tasting, games and activities for all ages, and great food. Enjoy a station-style buffet with options to choose your own favorite menu items. The feast is open from 4:30-6:30 p.m. for those registered. The game will also feature a halftime performance from Mutts Gone Nuts – a touring group that showcases the amazing talents of dogs.

Tickets for the game can be purchased here and includes a free ticket to the women’s game on Sunday.

UAlbany Women vs. Siena

The 11th Annual Albany Cup is a tradition that dates back to 2009 when the Siena Saints and the Great Danes met for the first time at Siena. The Saints came out on top in overtime, 65-61, but UAlbany would get revenge the following year and start a streak of eight consecutive victories. The Great Danes also won most of the games on the road, with only 2017’s victory coming at SEFCU Arena.

This is season marks only the second time that the Saints have traveled the eight miles from their campus in Loudonville to UAlbany to face the Great Danes at SEFCU Arena.

The Danes, 3-4, are coming off of a strong performance against Vanderbilt of the Southeastern Conference. While they didn't earn the win, the Great Danes' defense held the major-conference school to only 52 points.

For her effort last week, freshman guard Lilly Phillips of Greenwich – who played for Cambridge in High School – was named America East Rookie of the Week on Monday.