COL BKB: Albany 53, Vermont 49

BURLINGTON, Vt., March 16 (UPI) -- Mike Black scored 14 points Saturday to lead Albany to a 53-49 win over Vermont in the America East championship tournament, and a berth in the NCAA Tournament.

Luke Devlin added 12 points and Jacob Iati converted a pair of clutch 3-point shots late in the game to give the Great Danes (24-10) their third trip to the NCAAs.

Iati, who finished with eight points, did not attempt a shot until the closing minutes. His first 3-pointer in the home stretch gave Albany the lead for good with 2:36 left in regulation.

Trey Blue and Clancy Rugg led Vermont (21-11) with 10 points apiece. The Catamounts (21-11) were the defending conference champs.