Stony Brook's Muhammad El-Amin is fouled by Mount St. Mary's...

Stony Brook's Muhammad El-Amin is fouled by Mount St. Mary's Chris Kingly (21) in the second half Monday in Stony Brook. (November 16, 2009) Credit: John Dunn

Stony Brook came out on top again, knocking off Albany, 67-61, at Pritchard Gymnasium on Sunday. The Seawolves improved to 14-7 overall and 6-2 in the America East.

The win was very important for the Seawolves because it puts them in a tie for second place with Boston University, trailing first-place Maine by just a half-game. Stony Brook already lost to Maine once, so it must top them a second time to have a shot at winning the regular season conference title.

Why is the regular season title important? After the NCAA took over the NIT, one of the first things it did was change the bid rules. A team that wins its regular season conference title gets an automatic bid to the NIT. This is if the team doesn't get invited to the NCAA tournament.

Stony Brook has never made the post season as a Division I program.

There is still a long way to go for the Seawolves, who still have to play Maine, Boston University and Vermont again, but this is the first time in a long time that February and March could mean something for Stony Brook.

Photo credit: John Dunn

SUBSCRIBE

Unlimited Digital AccessOnly 25¢for 6 months

ACT NOWSALE ENDS SOON | CANCEL ANYTIME