WEST POINT, N.Y. (Interstat) — Navy controlled its rivalry game against Army from the start, earning an 81-63 men’s basketball victory Saturday at Christl Arena.

The Midshipmen built a 16-point halftime lead and maintained a double-digit advantage throughout the second half. Austin Benigni led all scorers with 27 points for Navy, while Aidan Kehoe added 16 points and 11 rebounds. Jaxson Bell paced Army with 17 points.

Navy shot 47.7% from the field and capitalized at the free-throw line, making 32 of 40 attempts. Army struggled offensively, shooting 37.7% overall and 10 for 34 from 3-point range. The Midshipmen improved to 23-6, while the Black Knights fell to 11-18.