How will they respond?

That seems to be the biggest question surrounding the Bearcats as they head into a matchup tomorrow with SUNY and America East archrival Albany.

Binghamton is riding high after its dramatic 66-65 last-second victory Wednesday night over Stony Brook, a game which may inspire them after so many heartbreaking losses over the last few weeks.

‘We want it to be a win that propels us,’ said head coach Al Walker.

Binghamton (10-12, 3-7 AE) is going to need the momentum, as they travel north to face America East foe Albany (15-7, 8-2 AE) tomorrow night at 8 p.m. in a sold out televised game at Albany’s 5,000-seat SEFCU Arena, part of Albany’s Big Purple Growl.

The Bearcats defeated the Great Danes earlier in the season when the SUNY rivals first did battle, winning handily 83-72 at the Events Center.

‘We defended and made shots,’ said junior guard Mike Gordon of the earlier win.

In that victory against the Danes, Binghamton shot 58 percent from the field and 86 percent (24-for-28) from the free throw line. The Bearcats also had five players in double digits, led by junior guard Richard Forbes’ 25 points.

The Bearcats are ranked third in scoring offense in the America East, averaging 67.4 ppg, right behind Albany’s 69.1 ppg. And while both teams can score, it’s going to come down to defense.

‘Whoever is going to win is going to have to sit down and guard,’ Walker said.

Binghamton is last in the conference in scoring defense, giving up 69.3 ppg. They will have to contend with Albany’s league-leading field goal percentage; the Danes are shooting 45 percent from the floor.

Albany, which is on a five-game winning streak, is led by reigning league MVP and first-team all-conference player Jamar Wilson, who is leading the conference in scoring with 18.1 ppg. He is also third in the conference in rebounds, averaging 6.5 rpg. Wilson is complemented up front by senior forward Jason Siggers, who is averaging 14.1 ppg, good for eighth in the America East.

The Great Danes have also been good at controlling possession of the ball this season, allowing opponents only 30.7 per game, tops in the America East.

Considering Binghamton is two Mike Gordon buzzer-beaters away from being mired in an eight-game losing streak, there is still work to be done, and the mood with the Bearcats is one of cautious optimism. Coach Walker knows Binghamton will need a spirited and complete performance to pull out another win in this critical conference matchup.

‘They are a terrific team and we will have to do something to contain them,’ Walker said. ‘They are fighting for first place and it’s going to be a huge game and an incredible environment.’