Basketball Game Preview: Albany Falcons vs. Shaker Bison

Albany and Shaker are an even 5-5 against one another since December of 2017, but not for long. The Falcons will take on the Bison in a holiday battle at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Both come into the contest bolstered by wins in their previous matches.

On Monday, Albany beat Ballston Spa 53-44. The victory made it back-to-back wins for the Falcons.

Akarri Gaddy

Points

12/15/25 @ Ballston Spa	16
12/12/25 @ Niskayuna	16
12/06/25 @ Kingston	17

Akarri Gaddy had an outrageously good game as she shot 70% from the field en route to 16 points and seven boards. Her evening made it three games in a row in which she has scored at least 16 points. Another player making a difference was Aaliyah Douglas, who posted ten points and six rebounds.

Meanwhile, a well-balanced attack led Shaker over Guilderland in every quarter on their way to victory on Tuesday. Given that consistent dominance, it should come as no surprise that the Bison blew the Flying Dutchmen out of the water with a 75-32 final score. That looming 75-32 mark stands out as the most commanding margin for the Bison yet this season.

Shaker's win came from a few key players Albany will need to keep an eye on. One of the most notable was Malia Jackson, who almost dropped a double-double with 12 points and nine boards. She is also on a roll when it comes to steals, as she's now grabbed two or more in each of the last five games she's played. Jayla Geter was another key player, putting up nine points along with seven assists and four steals.

Shaker was working as a unit and finished the game with 21 assists. The team's really been improving in that area: they've now improved their assist total in three consecutive matchups.

Shaker's record is now 6-0. As for Albany, they now have a winning record of 2-1.

Rebounding is likely to be a big factor in this contest: Albany has been smashing the glass this season, having averaged 33.3 rebounds per game. However, it's not like Shaker struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 41.8 boards. With both teams battling to corral missed shots, we'll see if one team can grab an edge.

Albany suffered a grim 72-52 defeat to Shaker in their previous meeting back in December of 2024. Can the Falcons avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.