For the first time in over five years, the Albany Falcons Varsity Boys basketball team hosted a Sectionals playoff game on Tuesday night.

The Falcons hosted Saratoga on Tuesday night in a first round playoff Sectionals game. This was a huge moment for Albany High as the program has been looking to get back on track under the direction of head coach Sean Brown. While the Lady Falcons are known for their playoff success, the boys were looking to ride that playoff energy deep into the sectional tournament at home for the first time in years.

Albany had some early struggles going down 8-0, but came roaring back with a 9-0 run of their own to take a first quarter lead. But, the Falcons looked a bit off on both ends of the court.

The Falcons limited Saratoga’s perimeter shots in the first half but ended up playing weak inside defense and fouling near the rim. Albany got in the paint themselves and drew fouls, but couldn’t cash in going 8-23 from the line.

As the second half came around it seemed like there was a shift in game plan. The second half was marked by poor perimeter defense and Saratoga took advantage of open shots. The Falcons tried to keep it close down 6 at the start of the 4^th, but found themselves down 8 halfway through the final period. Saratoga wouldn’t give in and they just pounded Albany from the perimeter and foul line making it nearly impossible for an Albany comeback. Saratoga took the win 72-54, and advanced to the 2^nd round at Hudson Valley Community College.

This was a truly great season for the Albany Falcons Boys Varsity, and even though a win escaped them, they accomplished something that hadn’t been done in a long time representing their school in a home Sectionals match up. Their efforts were recognized by all.