ANNAPOLIS, Md. (Interstat) — A surging Navy men’s basketball team will look to continue its strong start to Patriot League play when it hosts struggling Lafayette on Saturday at Alumni Hall.

The Midshipmen (11-5) have won three straight, including a decisive 76-55 victory over Bucknell on Wednesday. They are 3-0 in conference play. In contrast, the Leopards (4-11) have lost four of their last five and are 1-2 in the league following an 83-67 home loss to Boston University.

Navy’s success has been fueled by efficient offense and defense, holding opponents to an average of 56.3 points during its win streak. Guard Jordan Pennick is coming off a career-high 23-point performance against Bucknell and has averaged 15.7 points over the last three games. He forms a potent backcourt with Austin Benigni, who also scored 23 points with six assists in the last outing.

Lafayette will rely on the dynamic play of guard Mark Butler to spark an upset. Butler leads the team in scoring and playmaking, averaging 15.0 points and 6.0 assists over his last five contests. He scored 17 points in the loss to BU, but the Leopards have consistently struggled defensively, allowing 80.2 points per game during their recent 1-4 skid.

The matchup pits one of the league’s hottest teams against one seeking stability. Navy has dominated recent meetings, winning the last five against Lafayette. The Midshipmen’s balanced attack, which saw Aidan Kehoe add 20 points against Bucknell, will test a Lafayette defense that ranks near the bottom of the conference.

For Navy, the game is a chance to solidify its early conference standing before a quick turnaround at American on Monday. Lafayette, seeking its first road win since early December, needs a signature Patriot League victory to reverse its season’s trajectory.

Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. EST on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026.