Albany, N.Y. 80, Vermont 79

1/6/2008 4:12 PM

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) -Brian Lillis scored 29 points to lead Albany in an 80-79 overtime victory over Vermont Sunday.

In a game that featured 18 lead changes and 10 ties, Lillis helped decide the game for Albany (6-8, 1-1 America East Conference) on the final two possessions.

After Vermont's Chad Powlovich hit a backdoor layup off Marqus Blakely's feed from the post for a 79-78 lead, Lillis converted off a spin to his right from the left block with 10.3 seconds remaining.

Blakely, who had 23 points and eight rebounds for Vermont (6-8, 11-1AE), attempted a short jumper in the lane in the closing moments, but Lillis deflected the shot and the clock ran out.

In overtime, Vermont's Keith Cieplicki, who had 11 points, made a 19-foot jumper off an in-bounds pass to break a 75-75 deadlock.

Albany would eventually go back in front. Lillis, who added seven assists and seven rebounds, stole Powlovich's errant pass and later made another shot in the lane off the dribble for a 78-77 advantage with 50 seconds to play.

The Great Danes ended a four-game losing streak.