7 February, 2007
by Elliot Smilowitz
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1st |
2nd |
Final |
| Navy (12-12, 2-7 Patriot) |
39 |
31 |
70 |
| Lehigh (10-15, 5-4 Patriot) |
28 |
37 |
65 |
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The much-maligned Navy Midshipmen finally landed a knockout blow, downing Lehigh 70-65 in Stabler Arena. After falling way behind, Lehigh used a 19-6 run to come within one possession in the final moments, but could never regain the lead.
After an even start to the game, the Mids used a run late in the first half to claim an 11-point first half lead. Lehigh hung tough, but Navy extended its lead as large as 17 in the second half. Lehigh then went on the 19-6 run, keyed by a pair of three-pointers from Jose Olivero, who finished with a game-high 24 points, which culminated in a 3-point game with 5 minutes remaining. Lehigh never got closer, as Navy held the Hawks at bay.
In addition to Olivero’s 24, Bryan White scored 18 points and Marquis Hall 13 for the Mountain Hawks. White also grabbed 15 rebounds and 3 steals. Navy was led by Trey Stanton’s 16 points. Kaleo Kina pitched in 15 points before fouling out, and Greg Sprink added 10 points. The Mids were outrebounded by Lehigh 37-26; the Hawks grabbed 17 offensive boards.
Lehigh’s week of hosting service academies continues this weekend when they welcome Army. Navy will stay in the Lehigh Valley, heading to Kirby Sports Center to take on Lafayette.
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| Keys to the Game |
| Key sequence |
Navy used a huge early second-half run, capped by a Kina three-pointer with 13:14 left in the game, to stake a 55-38 lead. The Mids’ offensive outburst enabled them to survive Lehigh’s huge comeback attempt.
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| Key sign it was over |
After Lehigh cut within 61-58 with 5:05 left, Navy went 7-of-9 from the free throw line the rest of the way to stay out in front of the Mountain Hawks. Navy won the game despite not scoring a field goal in the final 9:27 of the game.
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| Key performance |
Normally Navy’s top scoring option, Greg Sprink was only the third-highest scorer for the Mids, but his overall game helped Navy keep control. Sprink totaled 10 points, not missing a field goal all game, grabbed 4 rebounds and tossed 5 assists. Not insignificantly, Sprink played 37 minutes of the game; because of the threat of Sprink’s shooting abilities, Lehigh had to keep tabs on him at all times, opening up the court for Kina and Stanton to find shots.
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| Key statistic |
The Mids shot the lights out: 56.1 percent from the floor, and 12-of-21 from the arc. Lehigh dominated the boards, which led to them attempting 13 more field goals and 10 more free throws than Navy, but the Mids still outscored the Hawks on pure shooting.
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| Notes |
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Lehigh shot 29.6 percent from the floor in the first half, and just 35.2 percent all game.
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Both teams struggled from the line most of the game. Lehigh was 21-of-32 from the line, Navy 12-of-22.
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Navy’s Bobby Fenske had a rare offensive outburst, scoring 9 points on 3 three-pointers.
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