Aidan Kehoe stole the show at Alumni Hall, scoring 29 points and grabbing 7 rebounds to power Navy to a convincing 85-68 victory over Holy Cross. The Midshipmen's high-powered offense was on full display, with Kehoe leading the charge alongside Austin Benigni, who chipped in with 25 points. The duo's impressive performance helped Navy build a significant lead in the first half, taking a 42-34 advantage into the break.
Holy Cross, led by Aiden Disu's 18 points, struggled to keep pace with Navy's relentless attack. Despite a solid effort from Disu, the Crusaders were unable to overcome the Midshipmen's balanced scoring and stifling defense. Navy's Jinwoo Kim added 18 points to the team's tally, ensuring that the home side maintained a comfortable margin throughout the second half.
The final scoreline of 85-68 in favor of Navy was a reflection of the team's dominance, with the Midshipmen outscoring Holy Cross 43-34 in the second half. The victory was also a validation of CHD Scout's pre-game prediction, which had Navy winning by 11.8 points. In the end, the Midshipmen exceeded that margin, winning by 17 points.
CHD Scout Report Card
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Final
Kehoe's outstanding performance was the highlight of the evening, as he effortlessly navigated Holy Cross's defense to find open looks and convert them into points. His 29 points were a game-high, and his 7 rebounds demonstrated his ability to contribute on both ends of the floor. Disu, on the other hand, was the lone bright spot for Holy Cross, using his quickness and agility to score 18 points and keep his team within striking distance.
The win improves Navy's record to 14-6, while Holy Cross falls to 8-12. In terms of tournament implications, this result is classified as a Quadrant 4 win for Navy, which may not significantly boost their resume but still represents a valuable victory. For Holy Cross, the loss is a Quadrant 3 defeat, which may not be overly damaging but still highlights the team's struggles against stronger opponents.
As the season progresses, Navy want to build on this momentum and continue to make a push for a tournament berth. With Kehoe and Benigni leading the charge, the Midshipmen have the talent and depth to make a deep run in the postseason. For now, they can savor this convincing victory over Holy Cross and look forward to their next challenge. The win may not have been an upset, but it was a resounding statement from Navy, and one that will undoubtedly have a positive impact on their tournament chances.