WASHINGTON – American University men's basketball (15-13, 7-10 PL) came out strong in the first half but could not maintain its momentum in the second half as the Eagles dropped their final regular season home game in Bender on Wednesday night, 70-54, to the Navy Midshipmen (18-11, 11-6 PL). Led by junior
Johnny O'Neil with 17 points, the Eagles dropped their fifth consecutive game.
QUICK NOTABLES
- With his one block in the game, O'Neil now has 41 blocks this season and 86 career blocks. His is now in sole possession of sixth all-time for single season blocks in American's record book and six away from moving into ninth all-time in the record book in career blocks.
- The Eagle have now split the regular season series with every team except for Bucknell and Lehigh. American still has to play Loyola Maryland on Saturday for a second time this season for the final matchup of the regular season.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Navy jumped out to a 3-0 lead before back-to-back baskets from junior Lorenzo Donadio and O'Neil gave American a 5-3 lead.
- The two sides traded baskets, and the lead, until the Eagles pulled away with a 9-0 scoring run to take a 20-14 lead with just under six minutes to play in the half.
- Navy broke American's run with a layup but the Eagles countered with a 4-0 run to take a 10-point lead with three minutes to play in the half.
- The Midshipmen pulled within six of the Eagles before tying up the game with 43 seconds left in the half. But the Eagles had the final say as junior Matt Rogers put in a layup with four seconds left on the clock to take a 28-26 lead at the half.
- After freshman Geoff Sprouse opened up the second half with a basket for American the Midshipmen went on a 10-0 run to take a 36-30 lead.
- Freshman Jermaine Ballisager Webb broke Navy's run to pull American within six, 38-32, but the Midshipmen continued to keep their offense hot throughout the rest of the game to hang on for the 70-54 Wednesday win.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- Along with O'Neil, two other Eagles scored in double figures Wednesday night with Rogers and junior Colin Smalls each totaling 10 points.
- The Eagles and Midshipmen were even in rebounds, each pulling down 32 boards. American held the 15-14 offensive rebounding advantage while Navy held the 18-17 defensive rebounds advantage.
- American held the 4-3 block advantage.
UP NEXT
- American will travel to Baltimore, Md. on Saturday, Feb. 25 to take on Loyola Maryland for its final regular season game.
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