WILMINGTON, N.C. (Interstat) — In a commanding display of efficiency and rebounding dominance, the Navy men’s basketball team secured a decisive 84-51 victory over Gardner-Webb on Wednesday afternoon at Brooks Field.

The Midshipmen, now 4-3 on the season, never trailed after the opening basket and methodically pulled away from the struggling Runnin’ Bulldogs, who fell to 0-7.

Navy set the tone early, opening the game on a 9-0 run that included a three-pointer from Jinwoo Kim just 22 seconds into the contest. While Gardner-Webb managed to close the gap to 11-9 midway through the first half, Navy responded with a 14-2 surge to re-establish control. The Midshipmen entered halftime with a comfortable 41-29 lead and continued to extend their advantage throughout the second half, outscoring the Runnin’ Bulldogs 43-22 after the break.

The game was defined by a stark contrast in offensive execution. Navy was exceptionally efficient, scoring 84 points on 68 possessions for an offensive rating of 124.4. They shot 51 percent from the floor, connecting on 29 of 57 attempts, and were particularly effective from beyond the arc, making 11 of 24 three-pointers. The Midshipmen also capitalized at the free-throw line, converting 15 of 18 attempts.

Gardner-Webb, conversely, struggled mightily to score. The Runnin’ Bulldogs posted an offensive rating of just 76.5, managing only 51 points from 67 possessions. They shot a frigid 37 percent from the field and were anemic from long range, making only 4 of 25 three-point attempts. While they shot a respectable 75 percent from the free-throw line, their opportunities were limited.

Navy’s dominance was also evident on the glass, where they out-rebounded Gardner-Webb 42-28. The Midshipmen grabbed 12 offensive rebounds, leading to 14 second-chance points, while Gardner-Webb managed only five offensive boards. Navy also converted Gardner-Webb’s 15 turnovers into 21 points, while the Runnin’ Bulldogs scored only 10 points off Navy’s 14 turnovers.

The individual performance of the afternoon belonged to Navy’s Aidan Kehoe. The 6-foot-10 junior from Montvale, New Jersey, was a force in the paint, recording a double-double with 20 points and 14 rebounds in 34 minutes of action. He also added two assists, a block and a steal.

He was ably supported by a strong supporting cast. Donovan Draper, a 6-foot-4 guard from West Palm Beach, Florida, filled the stat sheet with four points, 10 rebounds, five assists, a block and a steal. Mike Woods provided a significant scoring punch off the bench, contributing 17 points and five rebounds. Starting point guard Austin Benigni orchestrated the offense effectively, tallying 12 points and six assists. Kim also finished in double figures with 11 points.

For Gardner-Webb, Jacob Hudson and Jacob Hogarth each scored 11 points to lead the team. Spence Sims dished out a team-high four assists, but the Runnin’ Bulldogs could not find a consistent offensive rhythm against Navy’s defense.

The victory extends Navy’s winning streak to two games following a win over NJIT, while Gardner-Webb’s search for its first win continues. The Runnin’ Bulldogs have lost their seven games by an average margin of 26.7 points.

Both teams continue play in the multi-team event at Brooks Field on Friday. Navy will face the host UNC Wilmington, while Gardner-Webb takes on Southeastern Louisiana.