Navy Holds Off Boston University in Nail-Biter
In a thrilling season opener for the Patriot League, Navy narrowly defeated Boston University, 82-77. The game took place at Alumni Hall and showcased the top two teams from the league’s preseason poll. This win marks Navy’s fifth consecutive victory.
The game had its ups and downs, but Navy gained an edge with a solid performance at the free-throw line, making 22 shots compared to BU’s 10. Both teams shot well, with shooting percentages hovering around 47-50%. Key players from both sides stepped up, making the contest exciting.
Freshman Chance Gladden led BU with a personal-best 26 points, while junior Michael McNair followed with 13 points and six rebounds. Despite facing foul trouble, sophomore Ben Defty managed to contribute 12 points. Freshmen Sam Hughes and Donte Tisinger Jr. each chipped in with nine points.
For Navy, Austin Benigni, the Preseason Player of the Year, led all scorers with 27 points, just two assists shy of a double-double. Aidan Kehoe put in a strong performance as well, grabbing 15 rebounds and scoring 15 points. Jordan Pennick also helped the Midshipmen with 18 points, shooting 8-for-11 from the free-throw line.
The game was tightly contested from the start, featuring several lead changes. Navy bounced back after a rocky beginning, shifting from 1-for-7 from the three-point range to 7-for-15 by halftime, ending it with a 35-30 advantage.
In the second half, BU made a strong push, narrowing the gap to just six points in the final seconds, thanks to Gladden’s shooting. However, Navy capitalized on free throws to secure the win.
Some Notable Stats and Insights
Performance Under Pressure: Navy has now won six straight games against BU at Alumni Hall. Their defensive strategies kept BU in check, showcasing a blend of effective shooting and solid rebounding.
Future Matchup: BU will take on defending champions American University next, hoping to extend their home win streak against them. This is crucial as momentum builds within the league.
As the season progresses, we’ll be keeping an eye on how these teams adapt and perform under pressure. Staying informed through regular updates will deepen your understanding of the league’s dynamics.
For more details on player stats, you can check the official NCAA stats here.
