Albany’s senior class has enjoyed success in the past, but now it looks to the future. The two-time defending champion Great Danes come to town looking to defend their title, starting with a quarterfinal matchup against Boston University at 8:30 p.m. in the Events Center.

Senior starters Brian Lillis and Brent Wilson of Albany (15-14, 10-6 America East) have the experience in the playoffs that will be invaluable to the Great Danes.

“We have to rely on our experience,” said Albany head coach Will Brown. “When it comes down to the postseason, it comes down to half-court and that’s where we flourish.”

Lillis has been outstanding again this season. His 15.8 points, 6.1 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game have been an integral part of the team again. Boston’s sophomore Corey Lowe and Lillis together could make for a real show this weekend. Lowe has had a great follow-up to his All-Conference freshman campaign, averaging 18.5 points per game this season.

Boston (13-16, 9-7 AE), selected to finish first in the conference preseason coaches’ poll, started the season 4-12. Struggling on both ends of the floor and with injuries, the Terriers found their rhythm late in the season with victories in eight of their last 11 games.

Albany holds the upper-hand following the regular season, having defeated Boston when the Terriers were struggling and then stifling them when they were hot.

“We have a tremendous respect for Boston,” Brown said. “This will be as good of a game in the first round as possible.”

Lillis was explosive in the teams’ first meeting at Case Gym back on Jan. 16, which Albany took 70-63. The senior from Iowa had 27 points and 12 rebounds. Wilson added 12 points and five rebounds for the Great Danes.

Lowe added 20 points and freshman John Holland chipped in 19 as BU attempted to climb out of the 17-point hole they dug early. Their run came up short and Albany held on for victory.

“We played well at the right times,” Brown said. “We were fortunate to win.”

The loss handed Boston a 4-12 record but proved to be a turning point in its season.

The teams’ second meeting took place in Albany and it was a different Boston team that came to town. The Terriers entered as one of the hottest teams in the league, having won eight of their last nine.

Despite the different circumstances, the result was the same. Albany walked away with another double-digit win on March 2, 76-64.

Freshman Josh Martin led the Great Danes in scoring with 13 points, overshadowing Lowe’s 23-point outing.

Albany used a late second-half run to put Boston away for good.

“It came down to the last few minutes,” Brown said.

The outcome of this matchup will ride on Albany’s experience from its last two championships. Lillis and Wilson have one last shot at a dream and you can expect them to play their best.

Expect Albany to use its size and physicality to control the paint. Albany’s depth from the bench should also provide a balanced game this weekend with Tim Ambrose’s efficiency leading the way. He makes great use of his 13 minutes each game, putting up 7.5 points and nearly three rebounds per game.

The Terriers are a tough team with young players that will make Boston a powerhouse down the road. No matter the result of this weekend, Boston will contend for the next few years.

“I expect a tremendous event this weekend,” Brown said. “There will be a strong Albany contingent so it should be a great tournament.”