Preview: Navy Looks to Extend Win Streak Against Boston University in Patriot League Clash

BOSTON (Interstat) — A surging Navy men’s basketball team will aim to continue its ascent in the Patriot League standings when it visits struggling Boston University on Wednesday night at Agganis Arena.

The Midshipmen (15-6, 7-1 Patriot) enter on a three-game winning streak and sit near the top of the conference. They are coming off a dominant 84-56 victory over rival Army on Saturday. In contrast, the Terriers (8-13, 3-5) have lost three of their last four, including a heartbreaking 80-79 overtime loss at Colgate last time out.

Navy’s success is fueled by guard Austin Benigni, who is playing at an all-conference level. He averages 22.6 points and 5.4 assists over his last eight games. Benigni torched Boston University for 27 points, eight assists and four rebounds in the first meeting this season, a narrow 82-77 Navy win in Annapolis on Dec. 31.

The Terriers will counter with guard Chance Gladden, who scored 26 points in that prior loss to Navy. He is coming off a 25-point performance against Colgate and has been a consistent scorer, averaging 16.1 points per game in conference play.

While Navy has won seven of its last eight, Boston University has struggled to close games, with two of its last three losses coming in overtime. The Terriers will need to find late-game execution to counter a disciplined Navy squad that leads the Patriot League in scoring defense, allowing just 62.9 points per game.

The matchup pits Navy’s stout defense against a Boston University offense that averages 77.6 points per game in league play. Controlling the tempo will be critical for the Midshipmen, who have held opponents under 70 points in 14 of their 15 victories this season.

Wednesday’s contest is the second of two regular-season meetings. Following this game, Navy continues its road trip at Lafayette on Feb. 4, while Boston University travels to Bucknell on Jan. 31.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST.