Every time a team wins a close game when the pressure is on, it helps make it stronger later in the season.

That's good news for UAlbany head coach Will Brown, who saw his team pull out a 51-50 victory over host American tonight at Bender Arena in Washington, D.C.

Unlike last week's home opener, a 69-65 loss to Morgan State, the 1-2 Danes made some clutch baskets at the end of the game, including a follow shot by junior guard Tim Ambrose in the final minute. Against Morgan State, Albany didn't score a basket for the final seven minutes.

Scotty McRae came up big off the bench with a career-high 14 points, and senior point guard Mike Johnson, making his season debut, helped limit the Great Danes' turnovers to just 11, a far cry from the more than 50 they committed in their first two games.

McRae also grabbed seven rebounds, while senior forward Will Harris added nine points and seven rebounds. Ambrose was also credited with five assists.

When the Danes return home, they will play three games in three nights as they host the 2K Sports Classic, benefitting Coaches for Cancer, Friday through Sunday at SEFCU Arena.