ANNAPOLIS, Md. (Interstat) — In a showcase of offensive efficiency and defensive pressure, the Navy men’s basketball team solidified its position atop the Patriot League with a decisive 87-71 victory over Loyola Maryland on Saturday at Alumni Hall.

The Midshipmen, improving to 17-6 overall, shot a blistering 65.5% from the field, turning a close early contest into a comfortable win before an announced crowd of 2,417. The Greyhounds fell to 8-15 despite a valiant scoring effort from their top players.

Navy’s offensive execution was nearly flawless, scoring 87 points on just 66 possessions for an elite offensive rating of 132.3. The Midshipmen dominated inside, outscoring Loyola Maryland 52-22 in the paint, a direct result of their deliberate and effective shot selection. They complemented their interior dominance by committing only 11 turnovers against eight steals by the Greyhounds.

The most important stretch of the game came late in the first half, when Navy transformed a narrow lead into a commanding advantage. Leading 23-19 with just over 11 minutes remaining before halftime, the Midshipmen unleashed a 17-4 run over the next four and a half minutes. The surge was fueled by their defense creating transition opportunities and a series of easy baskets inside. Donovan Draper and Aidan Kehoe combined for 10 points during the run, which was capped by a Cam Cole 3-pointer that pushed Navy’s lead to 40-23. Loyola Maryland never recovered, unable to cut the deficit to single digits again.

Navy center Aidan Kehoe, a 6-foot-10 junior from Montvale, New Jersey, was the game’s standout performer. He scored 23 points on 11-of-14 shooting, grabbed seven rebounds, and dished out three assists, consistently punishing the Greyhounds in the post. His early hook shot and a subsequent block set the tone for Navy’s interior control.

He was supported by a balanced and efficient offensive attack. Guard Jordan Pennick of Reisterstown, Maryland, had 15 points and five assists. Donovan Draper added 14 points, six rebounds, and three assists, while Jinwoo Kim and Cam Cole each chipped in 12 points. Austin Benigni orchestrated the offense with 11 points and five assists.

Loyola Maryland’s effort was led by the high-scoring duo of Emmett Adair and Braeden Speed. Adair, a 6-foot-9 forward from Sydney, Australia, poured in a game-high 28 points and collected seven rebounds. Speed, a guard from Phoenix, Arizona, contributed 24 points and four assists. However, the rest of the Greyhounds combined for just 19 points. Loyola Maryland shot 40.3% overall and a respectable 40% from 3-point range, but its 101.8 offensive rating was overwhelmed by Navy’s superior efficiency.

The Midshipmen led 44-36 at halftime and maintained their offensive precision after the break, shooting 66.7% in the second half. Every time Loyola Maryland threatened to build momentum, Navy answered with a clinical basket, often from close range, to stifle any potential rally.

The victory extends Navy’s winning streak to four games as they continue their pursuit of the Patriot League regular-season title. Loyola Maryland, which had won two of its last three games entering the contest, looks to regroup on its home floor next week.

Navy next travels to face Lafayette on Wednesday. Loyola Maryland returns to Baltimore to host Lehigh, also on Wednesday.