ANNAPOLIS, Md. (Interstat) — In a commanding season-opening performance, the Yale Bulldogs overwhelmed the Navy Midshipmen, cruising to a 97-68 victory in a non-conference men’s basketball game Friday night at Alumni Hall.

The Bulldogs, playing their first game of the 2025-26 campaign, never trailed and led by as many as 32 points, showcasing an offensive efficiency that the Midshipmen had no answer for. The lopsided result was even more decisive than pregame projections, as Yale entered the contest as a 5.5-point favorite and was given an 89 percent probability to win by statistical models.

Yale’s offense operated with precision from the opening tip, building a 15-point lead by halftime, 46-31. The Bulldogs then exploded for 51 points in the second half, consistently extending their advantage and silencing the home crowd of 1,958. The combined final score of 165 points significantly surpassed the pregame over/under line of 147.5.

The story of the game was the dominant inside-outside combination of Nick Townsend and Riley Fox. Townsend, a 6-foot-7, 240-pound forward from Chappaqua, N.Y., was a force in the paint, scoring 23 points and grabbing nine rebounds in just 28 minutes of action. He also dished out five assists, demonstrating his versatility and court vision.

Fox, a 6-foot-6 guard from West Hartford, Conn., provided the perimeter firepower, pouring in a game-high 24 points. He was remarkably efficient, needing only 21 minutes on the floor to achieve his scoring total, and added four rebounds.

Yale’s backcourt was expertly managed by point guard Trevor Mullin. The 6-foot sophomore from Wellesley, Mass., directed the offense with poise, scoring 14 points and distributing a game-high six assists. His backcourt mate, Isaac Celiscar, also filled the stat sheet, contributing 13 points, four rebounds, and four assists.

Defensively, the Bulldogs were anchored by the intimidating presence of Samson Aletan in the middle. The 6-foot-10 center from Dallas, Texas, altered countless shots and registered five blocked shots in just 14 minutes of play, helping to stifle Navy’s attempts to score near the basket.

For Navy, which fell to 1-1 on the young season after a season-opening win over Presbyterian, the night was a struggle. Jinwoo Kim, a 6-foot-1 guard from Overland Park, Kan., led the Midshipmen with 16 points and four rebounds. Starting point guard Austin Benigni, from The Woodlands, Texas, added 14 points and four assists but was hounded by the Yale defense throughout his 34 minutes.

Donovan Draper, a 6-foot-4 forward from West Palm Beach, Fla., was a bright spot on the glass for Navy, pulling down nine rebounds to go with eight points and two blocks. Mike Woods of Upper Marlboro, Md., provided energy off the bench, collecting nine points and six rebounds.

Yale’s offensive execution was simply on another level. The Bulldogs consistently found high-percentage shots and shared the ball effectively, while their defense forced Navy into difficult attempts and controlled the defensive glass. The game was effectively put out of reach midway through the second half as Yale’s lead ballooned past 20 points.

With the victory, Yale begins its season 1-0 and will look to build on this momentum. The Bulldogs face a quick turnaround with a short trip to Hamden to take on in-state rival Quinnipiac on Tuesday, November 11. Their early-season schedule includes home games against Stony Brook, Rhode Island, and Green Bay, the latter being part of a multi-team event in the U.S. Virgin Islands. A high-profile non-conference test awaits on December 29, when Yale travels to face the Alabama Crimson Tide.

For Navy, the loss serves as a stern test against a high-caliber opponent. The Midshipmen will not have long to dwell on the defeat, as they face a challenging road trip to Penn State on Tuesday, November 11. Their upcoming schedule is arduous, featuring a visit to North Carolina on November 18 and a neutral-site game against UNC Wilmington. Navy will open Patriot League play on the road against service academy rival Air Force on December 7.

The Bulldogs’ comprehensive victory signals a strong start for the Ivy League contenders, who displayed depth, talent, and cohesion that will make them a formidable opponent throughout the season. For the Midshipmen, the game highlighted areas for improvement as they prepare for the rigors of their non-conference slate and the Patriot League schedule ahead.