May 8, 2008

Siena College and the University at Albany will renew their men's basketball rivalry at Times Union Center December 6, 2008. The game will be the first in a new three-year agreement between the institutions.

The Albany Cup has grown into one of the most anticipated area sporting events since it tipped off in downtown Albany in 2001 after a 25-year hiatus coinciding with Siena's move to Division I in 1976-77.

A total of 75,830 fans have turned out for the seven meetings since the series was renewed, an average of 10,833 per game. A series-record 13,262 fans attended the game this past season.

"The Times Union Center is honored to once again host the hottest college basketball rivalry game in the region," stated Bob Belber - General Manager of Times Union Center. "I am very happy that terms could be worked out between Siena and UAlbany to allow their fans the ability to catch this exciting matchup,"

The schools' women's basketball programs will not play during the 2008-2009 season due to scheduling conflicts. The women's basketball series will resume as part of a doubleheader with the men's game during the 2009-2010 season.

"The three-year extension of this college basketball series is good for UAlbany, Siena and area basketball fans," UAlbany vice president and director of athletics Lee McElroy said. "We look forward to participating in an event that benefits the Capital Region."

"We began playing this series for the community, and pledged to continue playing it as long as the support remained," Siena College director of athletics John D'Argenio said. "The fans, especially this past season, have been tremendous, so continuing the series made sense."

Siena has won six of the seven games played on the men's side since 2001 and five of six women's contests. The Saints lead the all-time men's series 29-18 and the women's series 9-3.

"This is a great game for the City of Albany and the surrounding area," UAlbany head men's basketball coach Will Brown said. "It only makes sense that the two Division I basketball programs in this area meet on an annual basis. I am sure that our students, fans and alumni will be excited that the series is continuing."

"The community support for this game has been overwhelming," Siena head men's basketball coach Fran McCaffery said. "It has evolved into a game that the fans from both schools look forward to each season, and we're happy to see it continue."