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Gamecenter: Army 60, American 55

17 January, 2007

by

1st 2nd Final
American (9-9, 1-3 Patriot) 23 32 55
Army (12-7, 2-2 Patriot) 17 43 60
Christl Arena – West Point, NY Boxscore
 
Postgame audio: Jim Crews | Jarell Brown
 
Army evened their Patriot league record at 2-2 with a 60-55 win over the visiting Eagles from American. Jarell Brown paced the Black Knights with a game-high 17 points, going 8-for-17 from the floor. Army continued its scorching play at home, upping its record at Christl to 8-1. With the loss, American dropped to 1-3 in the conference, its worst start since joining the Patriot League in 2001-2002.

The game was close throughout, but clutch free throw shooting from Army guard’s Matt Bell and Cory Sinning proved to be the difference in the end. Bell went 11-for-12 from the line on the night, while Sinning went 8-for-10. Bell was especially huge down the stretch, sinking 8-free throws in the final 1:24, including two with 4.4 seconds left, essentially clipping the wings of any Eagles comeback flight.

Defensively, the Black Knights were stellar, recording 6 steals and 2 blocks. They were able to contain American’s lead scorer, Andre Ingram, to 10 points — below his season average of 14.

Army Guard Marcus Nelson, who stands a Napoleonic 5’10, dunked home a rebound with 3:37 remaining in the second half, electrifying the home crowd and putting the Black Knights on top for good, 44-41.

American was led by Arvydas Eitutavicius, who scored 17 points on the strength of 3 three-pointers and 8 free throws. He also added a team-high 7 rebounds. Sloppy play was the kiss of death for the Eagles, as they turned the ball over 20 times.

Army will play the final game of a three-game home stand this Sunday, matching up against longtime rival Navy. The game figures to be a classic, and the decibel levels will surely soar to deafening limits. American will return home on Saturday to battle Patriot League foe Holy Cross.

 
Keys to the Game
Key sequence Nelson threw down a dunk with 3:37 left in the game, putting the Knights on top for good, 44-41, and keeping momentum strongly on Army’s side.
Key sign it was over The game was tight throughout, but Bell staved off the feisty Eagles for good, sinking 2 free throws with 4.4 seconds left in the game.
Key performance Bell turned in a key performance, sinking 11-of-12 free throw attempts, including 8 in the final 1:24.
Key statistic Army went 13-of-14 from the charity stripe in the final 1:24, after going 8-of-16 before that point.
 
Notes
The Black Knights defeated the Eagles for the first time 43 years.
American recorded 4 steals, while Army had 6.
American outrebounded Army 35-32.
Bell scored the first 2 points of the game with a jumper, and the last 2 on clutch free throws.

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