by MARK SINGELAIS STAFF WRITER , The Times-Union

"The most I had in a scrimmage was two fouls, and I got those in the second half," Ambrose said Wednesday at UAlbany's media luncheon.

Too many times last season Ambrose had to take an early seat next to coach Will Brown because he picked up two fouls in the first half in 12 different games.

The explosive Ambrose still managed to lead the Great Danes in scoring at 14.3 ppg despite being limited to 24.3 minutes per game.

His foul trouble was symptomatic of UAlbany's generally poor decision-making. Brown complained about his team's low "basketball IQ," or lack of feel for the game, as the Great Danes slid to seventh place in the America East.

"I think it's going to be better this year," Ambrose said. "We've got a lot of guys that are not going to force shots and force passes, where last year we were trying to force action more than we should have been."

UAlbany led the America East in turnovers with 15.3 per game and had the conference's worst turnover margin at minus-2.9.

Ambrose said these Great Danes seem to be more patient and relaxed in running the offense.

Brown said it's too early to tell whether this year's team, with eight new players available, will be less error-prone.

"I think it's hard right now in practice because you have a lot of guys that are trying to figure out what we're doing," Brown said. "I'm more anxious to see what kind of IQ we have in these games coming up."

UAlbany opens at Big East power Syracuse at the Carrier Dome on Monday.

The Great Danes will be without starting point guard Mike Johnson, serving a two-game suspension for a disorderly conduct violation, who Brown said has been the team's best player in practice.

They might also be without backup point guards Mike Black (knees) and Derrek Tartt (back), freshmen who are both nursing injuries.

Johnson said the upperclassmen have gotten smarter and are passing their knowledge on to the newcomers.

"As far as the returners, we have a better understanding of what (Brown) thinks is the right basketball play and the wrong basketball play," Johnson said. "We should definitely be able to take care of the ball much better."

Mark Singelais can be reached at 454-5509 or by e-mail at msingelais@timesunion.com

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