WEST HARTFORD, Conn. -- Sam Rowley scored a career-high 22 points as Albany won its sixth straight game to start the America East Conference season with a 62-53 win at Hartford Thursday night.

The Great Danes (11-7, 6-0) took over sole possession of first place in conference after New Hampshire handed Vermont its first conference loss, 73-68.

Rowley scored 10 of his points in the first half, helping Albany to a 27-20 lead at intermission and the team pushed the lead to as many as 15 points in the second half.

Albany shot 45.7 percent from the field (21 of 46), but was just 1 of 11 from beyond the arc. The Great Danes converted 19 of 21 from the free throw line (90.5 percent).

Hartford (11-8, 4-2) struggled from the field against Albany's defense, converting 19 of 52 attempts. The Hawks launched 30 shots from distance, converting 8.