ANNAPOLIS, Md. (Interstat) — The Navy women’s basketball team used a decisive third-quarter surge to pull away from Boston University and secure a 57-47 Patriot League victory on Wednesday night at Alumni Hall.

In a defensive struggle through the first half, the Midshipmen (13-6, 4-2 Patriot) held a narrow 20-19 lead at intermission. The game’s complexion changed dramatically after halftime, as Navy outscored the Terriers 17-12 in the third period to build a cushion it would not relinquish. The Midshipmen then sealed the win with a 20-point fourth quarter.

The most important stretch of the game began early in the third. With Navy leading 23-21, the Midshipmen embarked on a 14-4 run over a five-minute span to take control. The run featured balanced scoring and stifling defense, turning a one-possession game into a 37-25 advantage. Kate Samson and Zanai Barnett-Gay were instrumental during this pivotal stretch, combining for three baskets and two assists as Navy effectively put the game out of reach.

Boston University (7-13, 3-4) was led by a game-high 23 points from sophomore center Anete Adler. The 6-foot-5 native of Keila, Estonia, added two assists in 31 minutes but faced consistent defensive pressure from Navy’s interior players. Rose Azmoudeh added six points for the Terriers, who have lost two of their last three games.

Navy countered with a more balanced offensive attack. Guard Zanai Barnett-Gay, from Glenn Dale, Maryland, paced the Midshipmen with 13 points, five assists and a block. Forward Kate Samson, a 6-foot-4 sophomore from Richmond, Virginia, provided a crucial interior presence with 11 points and two blocks. Guard Zoe Mesuch also contributed 13 points and three assists.

The Midshipmen’s defense was the foundation of the victory, consistently disrupting Boston University’s offensive flow and holding the Terriers to 47 points, their second-lowest output of the season. Navy also won the rebounding battle and converted key second-chance opportunities, particularly during the game-breaking third-quarter run.

The announced attendance at Alumni Hall was 879. The victory improves Navy’s position in the Patriot League standings, while Boston University looks to regroup before its next contest.

According to the Interstat ELO system, Navy was projected with an 89.30 percent probability to win the game.

Navy next travels to face Loyola Maryland on Saturday. Boston University returns home to host Bucknell, also on Saturday.