Albany, N.Y. 80, New Hampshire 59

2/7/2008 12:32 AM

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - Brian Lillis had 19 points and Tim Ambrose added 14 to lead Albany, N.Y. to an 80-59 America East Conference victory over New Hampshire Wednesday night.

Albany (11-11, 6-4 AE) went 7-of-8 from the field in opening five-plus minutes to take a 15-4 lead. After extending their lead to as much as 18 points in the first half, the Great Danes settled for a 41-28 margin at halftime.

New Hampshire (7-15, 4-6) shot just 29 percent from the field in the first half.

In the second half, the Wildcats cut the lead to 10 points on two occasions, including 46-36 with 15:54 left on freshman Alvin Abreu's 3-pointer.

Tyrone Conley had 17 points, including four 3-pointers, for the Wildcats. Tyrece Gibbs added 16 points and eight rebounds, and Abreau finished with 13 points.

Brent Wilson had 13 points off the bench for Albany and grabbed eight rebounds.