CLINTON, S.C. (Interstat) — The Navy men’s basketball team opened its season with a commanding 76-55 victory over Presbyterian on Monday night at the Templeton Center, using a dominant first-half defensive performance to seize control.

The Midshipmen held the Blue Hose to just 17 points in the opening period, building a 20-point halftime lead that Presbyterian never seriously threatened. Navy improved to 1-0, while Presbyterian begins its season 0-1.

Aidan Kehoe led all scorers with 19 points for Navy, showcasing an efficient inside game. He was supported by Jordan Pennick, who added 13 points, and Austin Benigni, who chipped in 11 points and a team-high five assists. The Midshipmen’s offense was methodical, scoring 40 points in the paint and converting 15 Presbyterian turnovers into 19 points.

Presbyterian struggled mightily from the field, particularly from beyond the arc. The Blue Hose shot just 3 for 21 from three-point range, a 14.3 percent clip that hampered any attempt at a sustained comeback. Triston Wilson led the home team with 13 points, while Jonah Pierce pulled down a game-high 13 rebounds to go with five points and two blocks. Jaylen Peterson also contributed 10 rebounds for Presbyterian.

The game was decided early as Navy’s defense set the tone. The Midshipmen forced eight first-half turnovers and held the Blue Hose to 6-of-23 shooting from the floor in the period. A 9-0 run midway through the first half, capped by a Donovan Draper three-pointer, stretched an early Navy lead to 17-6, and the margin continued to grow.

Presbyterian showed more life after halftime, scoring 38 points in the second half, but could never cut the deficit to single digits. Navy consistently answered any Blue Hose push, maintaining its comfortable lead throughout the final 20 minutes.

The Midshipmen finished the game shooting 49.1 percent from the field and out-rebounded Presbyterian 39-35. Navy’s defense was also active, recording nine steals, with Draper and Benigni each collecting three.

An announced crowd of 471 was on hand for the season opener.

Navy next hosts Yale on Friday. Presbyterian returns to action Wednesday against Bluefield University.