ANNAPOLIS, Md. (Interstat) — The Navy women’s basketball team built a commanding early lead and never trailed, defeating American 86-68 in a Patriot League game Wednesday night at Alumni Hall.

Zanai Barnett-Gay led all scorers with 24 points and added six assists for the Midshipmen, who improved to 10-6. Zoe Mesuch scored 17 and Christina Liggio added 13 for Navy, which led 44-21 at halftime.

Charlotte Tuhy paced American with 19 points. Molly Driscoll added 13 points and six assists for the Eagles, who fell to 4-12. American’s 26-point fourth quarter was its highest of the game but only narrowed the final margin. Attendance was 588.