May 2, 2002

Stony Brook, N.Y. - No. 3 Stony Brook (9-6) at No. 1 Albany Game Notes; Saturday, May 4, 2002

Media: WUSB 90.1 FM or listen on the internet at www.goseawolves.org or wusb.org

State Bragging Rights:B For the first time ever since the move to the Division I, Albany and Stony Brook hook up in a title match with a chance to advance to the NCAA tournament.

The Series: Stony Brook holds a 4-2 series edge after Albany's 11-7 win earlier this month.

Once Bitten, Twice Shy: The Seawolves were indeed bitten by the Great Danes the last time the two teams met. Stony Brook jumped out to a 2-0 lead before Albany scored six straight times and built a 7-4 halftime lead. Steve Conlon's goal with 14:06 remaining in the game capped a three-goal run by the Seawolves to tie the game at seven. Albany responded with four unanswered goals to close out the scoring and hand Stony Brook its second conference defeat of the year. Conlon was tremendous for SB, notching a career-high six points with four goals and two assists.

Keys To The Game: * Eyes On Pall - Albany stopped SB's scoring machine last time, holding him to no goals which snapped his consecutive game goal-scoring streak at 40. * Daquino vs. Conlon - Two of the top set up men in the conference, these freshmen will have an impact today. Conlon notched six points (4g, 2a) back on April 13 * Face-offs - SB ranks third in the nation in face-off winning percentage, but only won 10 of 20 face-offs in the last meeting between the two teams

The Scoring Touch: For the second year in a row, Kevin Pall has been one of the best attackman in the nation. Last year, he captured the Division I scoring title and this season has totaled 47 goals -- three shy of his school record 50 that he set last season. He has scored in 44 of his last 45 games and has 12 multiple-goal games to his credit this year. The first-team all-conference pick is averaging 3.07 goals per game -- good enough for sixth in the nation. He ranks first all-time in goals (131) scored and fourth in points (142).

Nine Is Mighty Fine: Stony Brook now has nine wins on the season, the most since a 9-4 mark in 1997. A win against Albany would give SB only its second double-digit win season since the move to Division I in 1990.

Deja Vu: Stony Brook's 7-6 overtime win over Hartford brought back memories of another big win in SB history. In 1997, the Seawolves defeated then No. 17 Hartford 10-9 in overtime -- that game was also played at night.

The Rookie: Three-time America East Rookie of the Week selection Steve Conlon has registered a point in 14 of 15 games this season. He ranks second on the team in scoring with 21 goals and 18 assists, averaging 2.60 points per game which is seventh-best in the conference. On Tuesday, he was named to the America East all-rookie team. Conlon's 39 points is the best single-season performance by a freshman in the history of the program. Conlon eclipsed the previous high of 34 that was set by Brian Reilly from 1984-87. Entering the season, Tony Cabrera had the best mark by a freshman at the Division I level with 29 points.

He Is Worthy: Goalie Steve Armsworthy was sensational Wednesday night against Hartford, turning aside 14 Hawk shots - several from point blank range. Armsworthy made 17 stops in the last meeting with Albany.

From The Ground Up: The duo of Eric Hatkewitz and Kyle Pearl have been a big reason why the Seawolves are third in the nation in face-offs. Hat (69gb) and Pearl (46 gb) have been groundball machines on face-offs this season. In addition, they have also gotten into the scoring act. Pearl (4g, 5a) has nine points while Hatkewitz has totaled six points (4g, 2a) this season.

It Could Be Close: Four of Stony Brook's six losses have come by one goal -- two in the final minute of regulation and the other in triple overtime. Stony Brook is 3-4 in one-goal games this season.

Waiting 'til The Last Minute: Heading into the playoffs, Stony Brook will hope to improve upon finishing out each quarter. The Seawolves have given up 13 goals in the final minute of a quarter this season -- four have come in the final minute of regulation.

Scannell Is Swell: Senior Denis Scannell is enjoying his best season in a Seawolf uniform. He has averaged 2.8 points per game in his last three outings, including three in the win over Hartford Wednesday night. Entering Saturday's championship game, he has totaled 28 points (18g, 10a), surpassing his previous high of 20 that he set in his freshman year. He has now scored at least one point in 10 straight games. Scannell has also been a force on face-offs and groundballs - he ranks 10th in the nation in face-off percentage (.605) and 13th in groundballs (5.64).

SB In The Postseason: Prior to Wednesday, the Seawolves had made only three postseason appearances - all at the Division II level. They are now 3-2 in postseason play and a perfect 1-0 at the Division I level.

Facing Off: Stony Brook entered the week as the third best face-off team in the nation, winning 62 percent of its draws. It trails only Towson (.635) and VMI (.628). Dennis Nafte ranks second in Division I (.658) while Denis Scannell is 10th (.626).

Working Overtime: Stony Brook has played two overtime games this season - going 1-1 in those contests. The Seawolves fell to No. 14 Navy 11-10 in triple overtime and defeated Hartford Wednesday night 7-6 in the first overtime period.

Playing For A Title: Stony Brook is 0-3 so far in title games in its first season of America East play. The Seawolves lost the women's basketball title game and the men's and women's tennis championship matches.

What Gives?: Stony Brook and Albany come into the game boasting good defenses. The Seawolves were ranked 11th this week, yielding 8.21 goals per game. Albany was 13th, limiting opponents to 8.29 gpg.

Uncharted Waters: A win over Albany gives Stony Brook its first-ever NCAA Division I postseason berth and its first conference title. The Seawolves have yet to make an NCAA tournament appearance in any sport since the move to Division I.

By The Numbers: Stony Brook's record when At home 6-2 On the road 3-4 At night 2-1 During the day 7-5 When scoring nine goals or less 1-5 When scoring 10 goals or more 8-1 Scoring first 5-5 Not scoring first 4-1 Lead at half 3-1 Trail at half 3-4 Tied at half 3-1