The U.S. Naval Academy's strong second-half performance propelled them to a 58-50 victory over Boston University at Case Gym. Austin Benigni's 20 points and 5 rebounds led the charge for Navy, who improved their record to 16-6. The Midshipmen's win was predicted by CHD Scout, who forecasted a 5.9-point margin of victory, and although the score was lower than expected, Navy's eight-point win validated the prediction.
Ben Defty was the standout performer for Boston University, scoring 19 points and grabbing 8 rebounds. However, his efforts were not enough to overcome Navy's balanced attack, which saw three players score in double figures. Jinwoo Kim added 12 points for Navy, while Mike Woods chipped in with 8 points and 5 rebounds. The Terriers, who fell to 8-14, were unable to contain Navy's offense in the second half, as they were outscored 37-23.
The first half was a closely contested affair, with Boston University taking a 27-21 lead into the break. However, Navy came out strong in the second half, using a 10-2 run to take the lead and never looking back. The Midshipmen's defense was instrumental in their victory, holding Boston University to just 23 points in the second half. Benigni's performance was a key factor in Navy's win, as he scored 12 of his 20 points in the second half to help his team pull away.
CHD Scout Report Card
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Final
The victory is a significant one for Navy, as it marks their eighth win in their last ten games. The Midshipmen's strong form has solidified their position as a contender, and this win will only add to their resume. The fact that this was a Quad 4 game for both teams means that Navy will not receive a significant boost from this win, but it will still be a valuable addition to their tournament portfolio. For Boston University, the loss is a setback, but it was expected, given Navy's superior form and ranking.
The outcome of this game was largely in line with expectations, given the relative strengths of the two teams. Navy's net ranking of 180 is significantly higher than Boston University's 289, and the Midshipmen's performance on the court reflected this disparity. As the season enters its final stretch, Navy want to build on this win and continue their push towards a tournament berth. With their current form and resume, they are well-placed to make a strong case for inclusion in the tournament field.