Navy Looks to Extend Win Streak Against American

WASHINGTON (Interstat) — The surging Navy women’s basketball team will aim for its ninth consecutive victory when it visits struggling American in a Patriot League matchup Saturday at Bender Arena.

The Midshipmen (15-6, 8-1 Patriot) have been dominant in conference play, with their last loss coming on Jan. 3. They enter off a 62-46 win over Lafayette on Wednesday. American (6-16, 3-6) has lost three of its last four, including a 58-45 defeat at Bucknell its last time out.

Navy’s success is fueled by standout guard Zanai Barnett-Gay, who averages 18.4 points per game in conference play. She scored 20 points with five assists in the win over Lafayette and torched American for 24 points and six assists in the teams’ first meeting this season, an 86-68 Navy victory on Jan. 14.

The Eagles are led by guard Madisyn Moore-Nicholson, who scored a team-high 15 points in the loss to Bucknell. She was held to eight points in the earlier loss to Navy.

American will need a stronger defensive effort to slow Navy’s efficient offense. The Midshipmen have scored 68 or more points in six of their eight league wins. The Eagles have struggled offensively, failing to reach 60 points in five of their last seven games.

History favors the visitors. Navy has won the last five meetings in the series, with American’s last win coming in February 2023.

Saturday’s contest tips off at 2 p.m. EST. Navy visits Bucknell next on Feb. 11, while American hosts Lehigh the same day.