Relying on its defense, the University at Albany women’s basketball program pushed to a second consecutive win to start America East Conference play. The Great Danes topped UMass Lowell 53-39 Saturday at Costello Athletic Center in Lowell,

After a poor opening 20 minutes, UVM basketball finds spark to roll past New Hampshire in Saturday's America East opener.

The Great Danes had the grit and defensive focus needed to knock off one of the America East Conference’s top contenders in their league opener. They had the late chances, too. In the end, though, the University at Albany men’s basketball program could not produce enough offense to earn the statement win Saturday it craved to start league play against UMass Lowell,