WASHINGTON -- Despite a shooting performance that will not go down in the record books, American easily handled Army, 58-40, in the Eagles' first-ever home Patriot League game on Saturday afternoon in Bender Arena. The win was the fourth straight for American, its first four-game streak since the end of the 1994-95 season.
American (8-7, 2-0 PL), got of to a fast start, connecting on seven of its first eight field-goals, en route to a 22-7 lead after just six minutes of play. The first-half margin was extended to 18 points (36-18), as the teams went into the locker room. The Eagles connected on 45.2 percent of their field goals in the opening period, compared to 33 percent for the Black Knights. Army (7-8, 1-1 PL) also committed 13 first-half turnovers, which were converted into 14 American points.
Neither team was very sharp in the second stanza, as they combined for just 44 points. American went 7-of-22 (31.8 percent) from the floor, and turned the ball over nine times. The teams also combined to shoot just 9-of-34 (26.5 percent) from three-point range.
Brian Williams led American with 11 points in just 12 minutes of play. He was followed by Vladimir Buscaglia and Glenn Stokes, who each netted nine, and Patrick Doctor, who scored eight. Steven Miles had a game- and career-high 10 rebounds.
Chris Spatola led all scorers with 12 points for Army.
With its 8-7 record overall, American holds a winning record this late in the season for the first time since 1995-96, when its was 8-6 after 14 games.
American returns to action on Wednesday, Jan. 16, when it hosts Lafayette in a key Patriot League matchup at 7:30 p.m. in Bender. The Eagles then conclude their three-game homestand by hosting Bucknell next Saturday, Jan. 19, at 1:00 p.m.
GAME NOTES: John Feinstein, noted best-selling author of such works as A Season on the Brink, A Good Walk Spoiled, The Majors, and the Last Amateurs, which followed a season of Patriot League basketball, tossed the ceremonial jumpball ... American will be looking for its first five-game winning streak since 1991-92 against Lafayette on Wednesday ... the Eagles have not had a winning season since 1990-91 ... the last time American started out 2-0 in conference play was 1997-98 when, as a member off the CAA, it defeated UNC Wilmington and East Carolina ... Army plays at Bucknell next Wednesday.
