LOUDONVILLE, N.Y. -- Peter Hooley and Sam Rowley each had 17 points to help Albany beat Siena 74-62 Friday night in a season opener for both teams.

The Great Danes, who shot 21-of-52 from the field, overcame a six-point deficit at halftime and outscored Siena 43-25 in the second half.

With the score at 45-44 in the second half, DJ Evans hit a pair of free throws to start a 10-0 run for Albany.

The Saints surged back to tie the game at 55 with seven minutes remaining. Albany responded however with a late 9-0 run to make the score 69-60 with under a minute to play.

Evans finished with 12 points and Rowley added nine rebounds for the Great Danes.

Maurice White led the Saints with 17 points and made 11 of his 14 free-throw attempts. Rob Poole had 15 points and Lavon Long added 11.