LOWELL, Mass. -- David Nichols scored 25 points, 19 in the second half, leading five into double figures and Albany defeated UMass Lowell 91-81 Thursday night, notching its fourth straight 20-win season.

Travis Charles contributed 17 points, Costa Anderson 15, Joe Cremo 13 and Greg Stire 11 for Albany (20-8, 8-5 America East Conference), which shot 60 percent (34 of 57).

The Great Danes took the lead on a pair of Stire free throws with 13:16 left in the first half and never trailed.

After falling behind by as many as 15, UMass Lowell (9-16, 3-9) fought into ties at 58-58 and 61-61 but could never get over the hump. Travis Charles broke the last tie with a pair of free throws for Albany, kicking off an 8-0 run. The Great Danes closed the game on a 14-7 run over the last 3:35 after the River Hawks came within a point.

Jahad Thomas scored 22 points to lead UMass Lowell and all five starters scored 10 points or better.