Albany holds off Siena in second half for 81-72 win

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) David Nichols scored a career-high 29 points, including three 3-pointers, and Albany held off Sienna for an 81-72 win Sunday night.

Nichols was 10 of 20 from the field, and 6 for 9 from the free-throw line. Joe Cremo added 20 points and Mike Rowley had 10 for Albany (4-2), which shot 52 percent from the floor and was 6 for 12 from long range.

The Great Danes took the lead for good early in the first half with one of Nichols' 3-pointers, which made it 12-9 and sparked an 8-2 spurt that stretched into a 38-20 halftime advantage.

Siena (2-4) chipped away in the second half and pulled into striking distance with Nico Clareth's jumper, shaving the deficit to 76-72 with just over a minute to play. Albany sealed it with a layup and 3 of 4 free throws.

Marquis Wright's 18 points led four Siena players in double figures.