ALBANY, N.Y. â Marking the latest start to a season on record, the University at Albany men's basketball team will kick off their 2020-21 campaign this weekend with a two-game series at SEFCU Arena against UMBC. Since dropping their season opener at Georgetown 70-62 on November 25, UMBC has rolled off four-straight victories, over Saint Francis, George Washington, Delaware, and Coppin State. Originally scheduled games against Towson and Mount St. Mary's were postponed and cancelled, respectively. The Retrievers were picked second in the America East Preseason Coaches' Poll, garnering two first-place votes. UMBC boasts reigning America East Player of the Week in forward Daniel Akin, who averaged 14.3 points and 8.0 rebounds in two games last week. The Retrievers as a team lead the America East in scoring defense and ranks second in scoring offense, while ranking no lower than fourth in the conference in any major category. UAlbany has split the last five meetings with UMBC, but have won 11 of the last 12 meetings in Albany.