The U.S. Naval Academy delivered a commanding performance at the Kirby Sports Center, defeating Lafayette 65-50 on February 4, 2026. Led by Donovan Draper's impressive 17 points and 7 rebounds, Navy asserted its dominance from the outset, setting the tone for a decisive victory. The Midshipmen's strong showing was anticipated, as CHD Scout had predicted a 10-point win for Navy, but the actual margin of 15 points exceeded expectations.
The first half saw Navy take control, with the Midshipmen leading 26-24 at the break. Lafayette's Caleb Williams was a bright spot for the Leopards, contributing 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists, but his efforts were not enough to counter Navy's balanced attack. In the second half, Navy pulled away, outscoring Lafayette 39-26 to seal the win. Aidan Kehoe and Austin Benigni played crucial roles for the Midshipmen, with Kehoe notching 16 points, 15 rebounds, and 7 assists, and Benigni adding 16 points and 5 rebounds.
The victory marked a strong performance by Navy, who improved to 18-6 on the season. The win was particularly significant, as it came against a Lafayette team that, despite struggling with a 7-17 record, posed a potential trap game for the Midshipmen. Navy's ability to avoid a letdown and instead deliver a convincing win speaks to the team's focus and discipline.
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Lafayette, meanwhile, was unable to overcome its struggles, with the loss dropping the Leopards to 7-17. While Williams' performance was a highlight, the team's overall effort was hindered by an inability to contain Navy's offense. The Leopards' Andrew Phillips and Shareef Jackson provided supporting roles, with 11 and 10 points, respectively, but it was not enough to stem the tide of Navy's attack.
The outcome of this game had real consequences for both teams' resumes. For Navy, the win marked a Quadrant 4 victory, which, while not as valuable as wins against stronger opponents, still contributes to the Midshipmen's overall profile. With a current net ranking of 167, Navy continues to build a solid foundation for a potential tournament bid. Conversely, the loss was a Quadrant 4 defeat for Lafayette, which, given the Leopards' already challenging record, does little to enhance their postseason prospects.
Ultimately, Navy's dominant performance against Lafayette serves as a reflection of the Midshipmen's strength and cohesion. As the season enters its final stretch, Navy's ability to dispatch weaker opponents with ease matters in maintaining momentum and positioning themselves for a strong tournament run. With this win, the Midshipmen take another step in the right direction, bolstering their resume and reinforcing their status as a formidable opponent in college basketball.