NEW YORK (Interstat) — A surging Columbia men’s basketball team will look to continue its best start in years when it hosts Albany on Saturday, Dec. 6, at Levien Gymnasium. The Lions (8-1) have won eight straight games since a season-opening loss at Connecticut, most recently edging Hofstra 72-70 on Wednesday behind 19 points from Kenny Noland. Columbia’s offense has been potent, averaging 86.2 points during its winning streak. Albany (3-6) enters seeking consistency after a 90-62 victory over Division III SUNY Oneonta on Sunday snapped a three-game skid. Okechukwu Okeke paced the Great Danes with 17 points and 12 rebounds in that win. Albany is 0-6 against Division I competition this season, with those losses coming by an average of 17.8 points. The game presents a stark contrast in trajectories. Columbia’s defense has held opponents to 66.2 points per game during its streak, while Albany has struggled defensively against high-major foes. Columbia’s home venue, Levien Gymnasium, has provided a strong advantage, where the Lions are 5-0 this season. Albany continues a difficult road stretch, playing its eighth away game of the young season. Following this contest, Columbia travels to Stony Brook on Tuesday. Albany’s next game is at Yale on Dec. 10.