Virgin Islander Tammy Phillip and the Great Danes snapped their two-game losing streak with a second half surge for a 64-50 victory over Colgate to end the year on a high note following back to back defeats. Photo: File

Before the game, UAlbany honored the careers of Ebone Henry and Julie Forster, officially retiring their numbers of #5 and #11 respectively. Photo: File

Before the game, UAlbany honored the careers of Ebone Henry and Julie Forster, officially retiring their numbers of #5 and #11 respectively. Both Henry and Forster were present with UAlbany Athletic Director Dr. Lee McElroy for a ceremony at center court.

“This game was about getting a win for Ebone [Henry] and Julie [Forster],” says UAlbany coach Katie Abrahamson-Henderson. “Megan [Craig] being in helped get Shereesha [Richards] and Tammy [Phillip] open and helped us run our offense.”

Shereesha Richards earned her sixth double-double of the year, finishing the game with 21 points and 14 rebounds. Phillip scored 5 points in 35 minutes playing time and added 5 rebounds, 4 steals and one assist.

UAlbany fired away from the three early, with each Coughlin and Margarita Rosario connecting. A pair by Coughlin helps give UAlbany an early advantage, adding a couple of attacks in the paint by Richards to build a 15-8 UAlbany lead after five-and-a-half.

The Great Danes struggled from the field for several minutes as Colgate went on a 13-4 run, forcing UAlbany to call timeout with the score 21-19 to Colgate.The Great Danes defense then tightened up and held Colgate scoreless for the final 6:17 of the half, retaking the advantage 24-23 going into the locker room.

Out of halftime, Colgate retook the lead until UAlbany went on a 5-0 run started by a Royals layup and one. Both teams traded points back and forth when a Paige Kriftcher three at the top of the arch pushed Colgate up 39-36 with 10:50 remaining in the 2nd.

Coughlin came alive at that moment, hitting a three-pointer in two consecutive possessions. Richards added layups and Royals contributed a fastbreak layup as the Great Danes built a 14-0 run, surging ahead 50-39. In that run, UAlbany did not allow a basket in over six minutes.

Colgate stopped the streak with a layup and one from Josie Stockill, but UAlbany did not relinquish the lead again. UAlbany has constantly fouled as the team went to the free throw line to add to its lead, finishing with the win 64-50.

No Colgate player reached double digit scoring. Missy Repoli was closest, leading the team with nine points. Carole Harris ended the game with eight points and six rebounds.

UAlbany will break for the holiday and will next play in Long Island against Hofstra on Wednesday, January 1, 2014 at 2 p.m.