WEST POINT, N.Y. (Interstat) — In a commanding performance that underscored their dominance in the Patriot League this season, the Navy men’s basketball team delivered a decisive 81-63 victory over archrival Army on Saturday at a sold-out Christl Arena.

The Midshipmen, now 23-6 overall and riding a five-game winning streak, seized control from the opening tip and never trailed, methodically dismantling the Black Knights before an announced crowd of 3,968. The win completed a regular-season sweep for Navy, which had defeated Army by 28 points in Annapolis just four weeks prior.

The most critical phase of the contest was its outset. Navy established an immediate and overwhelming tone, leveraging stifling defense and efficient offense to build a double-digit lead before the first media timeout. Army, struggling to find any offensive rhythm against Navy’s active defense, managed just three points in the game’s first four minutes. A Ryan Curry three-pointer provided the Black Knights’ only early points as they opened the game missing five of their first six shots and committing two quick turnovers.

Navy capitalized ruthlessly. Austin Benigni converted a jumper off an Army turnover, and after another Black Knights giveaway, Jordan Pennick drew a foul and hit two free throws. When Jinwoo Kim sank a three-pointer off a Benigni assist with 16:33 left in the half, Navy led 10-3, forcing Army into constant catch-up mode. The Black Knights never got closer than five points the rest of the way. This early blitz set the trajectory for the entire game, as Navy’s defensive pressure and ability to convert Army’s mistakes into points proved insurmountable.

The Midshipmen’s offensive execution was a model of efficiency. They scored 81 points on just 64 possessions, an elite offensive rating of 126.6, by excelling at the free throw line and from beyond the arc. Navy shot 32 of 40 from the charity stripe and connected on 7 of 15 three-point attempts. In contrast, Army was hampered by poor shooting, making only 20 of 53 field goals and 10 of 34 from three-point range. The Black Knights also committed 12 turnovers, which Navy converted into 17 points.

Navy’s star forward Aidan Kehoe was the game’s most impactful player, recording a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds while adding three assists and four blocked shots in 34 minutes. His defensive presence in the paint altered numerous Army attempts and anchored Navy’s overall defensive effort.

Guard Austin Benigni led all scorers with 27 points, consistently breaking down the Army defense. He was a perfect 11-for-11 from the free throw line and added three assists. Jinwoo Kim contributed 13 points and seven rebounds, while Donovan Draper provided 10 points, six rebounds and four assists off the bench.

Army, which fell to 11-18, was led by Jaxson Bell’s 17 points and five rebounds. Ryan Curry added eight points but was harassed into four turnovers. The Black Knights showed brief signs of life in the second half, cutting a 16-point halftime deficit to 11 on several occasions, but could not sustain a run. Each time Army threatened, Navy answered, often with a Benigni drive or a Kehoe finish inside.

The Midshipmen’s defense was particularly effective in limiting Army’s transition game, allowing only one fastbreak point while generating 11 of their own. Navy also won the battle of the benches, outscoring Army’s reserves 20-8.

With the victory, Navy solidified its position atop the Patriot League standings and continued its best season in recent memory. The Midshipmen have now won 12 of their last 13 games. Army, meanwhile, saw its two-game winning streak snapped and will look to regroup in its final regular-season contests.

According to pregame analytics from Interstat, Navy was projected with an 82.2% probability to win. The Midshipmen also covered the pregame spread of 9.5 points. The total score of 144 surpassed the over/under line of 137.5.

Navy next travels to face Loyola Maryland on Wednesday. Army will host Bucknell the same evening.