Navy Dominates American University 82-73 Behind Aidan Kehoe's Double-Double

The U.S. Naval Academy secured a crucial 82-73 win over American University in a Patriot League matchup at Alumni Hall. Navy's Aidan Kehoe stole the show, recording a double-double with 22 points and 10 rebounds. His dominant performance helped Navy maintain a significant lead throughout the game, with the Midshipmen taking a 39-35 advantage into halftime.

Donovan Draper also had a standout game for Navy, scoring 18 points and grabbing 14 rebounds, while dishing out 5 assists. Austin Benigni chipped in with 13 points, showcasing Navy's balanced offense. On the other side, American University's Greg Jones led the charge with 17 points and 9 rebounds, but it wasn't enough to overcome Navy's strong team effort. Julen Iturbe and Madden Collins added 15 and 14 points, respectively, for American University.

CHD Scout's pre-game prediction had Navy winning by 16.2 points, and although the actual margin was narrower at 9 points, the prediction correctly favored the Midshipmen. The game saw Navy's lead fluctuate, but they never trailed in the second half. The Midshipmen's 43-point second-half performance sealed the deal, outscoring American University by 5 points in the period.

This win improves Navy's record to 19-6, while American University drops to 13-12. As the season enters its final stretch, these games take on added importance for tournament seeding and resume-building. For Navy, this victory falls into Quadrant 4, which, although not as impactful as a Quadrant 1 win, still contributes positively to their overall profile. On the other hand, the loss for American University is classified as a Quadrant 3 game, which might not significantly harm their resume but certainly doesn't help their cause.

Given the current state of their schedules and the teams they have faced, Navy continues to build a strong case for a potential tournament bid. Their net ranking of 161, combined with a solid conference performance, keeps them in the conversation. American University, with a net ranking of 252, faces a tougher road ahead but can still make a push with strategic wins in their remaining games.

The outcome of this game underscores the competitive nature of the Patriot League, where any team can challenge another on a given night. As the conference tournament approaches, teams will be fighting for positioning and momentum. For now, Navy's win over American University is a reflection of their resilience and depth, with Aidan Kehoe's performance being a highlight of the evening.