21 February, 2007
by Joshua Schaffer
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1st |
2nd |
Final |
| American (14-13, 6-7 Patriot) |
27 |
44 |
71 |
| Navy (14-14, 4-9 Patriot) |
18 |
42 |
60 |
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American clinched fourth place in the Patriot League, and a home game in the first round of the league tournament, spoiling Navy’s Senior Day with a 71-60 win. American controlled this game throughout the contest and had a lead as large as 18 points. The Eagles finished the game with four players in double figures, led by Andre Ingram’s 16 points. They swept the season series with the win. Navy’s Greg Sprink rolled over his ankle in practice yesterday but played through the pain, scoring a game-high 23 points in the loss.
This game started out evenly as both teams exchanged baskets during the first 12 minutes of the game. With 8:25 left in the first half, the Eagles were clinging to a 17-15 lead when they went on a 10-3 run to end the half. American was all over the boards in that half, outrebounding Navy by 8. The Midshipmen didn’t help themselves in the shooting department either, as they shot 7-for-27 from the field and 3-for-13 behind the arc.
The second half began the way the first one ended, as American continued to dominate with an 11-2 run to stretch the lead to 18 with 16 minutes left. Navy had several chances to get back into the game, but could not get closer than 9 points. American was not going to allow a comeback, as they shot 61.1 percent from the field and 79.2 percent from the free throw line in the final half.
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| Keys to the Game |
| Key sequence |
Corey Johnson had a chance at a lay-up on Navy’s first possession of the second half, and missed it. American got the ball back and Lekavicius hit a jumper. Navy’s Bobby Fenske got an open look at a three-pointer on the other end that rimmed out. The Eagles grabbed the rebound on that shot and nailed another jumper. On Navy’s next miss, the Eagles got the ball down on the other end quickly and Ingram hit a three-pointer. That was a 7-0 run that American needed to give them a comfortable cushion to coast to victory.
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| Key sign it was over |
Sprink hit a bank shot and was fouled with around 3 minutes left but then missed the ensuing free throw. American slowed down their offense after they passed mid-court but a pass to Eitutavicius was too tough to handle and the ball bounced backcourt. Bryce Brigham took a chance and tried to grab the ball instead of taking the backcourt violation and fouled Eitutavicius. The foul was a questionable one but Brigham’s decision to go after the ball was not a smart one. Eitutavicius went to the free throw line and hit both shots to get the lead back up to double digits and the threat was over.
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| Key performance |
Derrick Mercer ran the floor well for American, and finished with 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists.
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| Key statistic |
American shot 53.5 percent from the field on the night, Navy 33.3 percent.
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| Notes |
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Navy has now made a three-pointer in 122 consecutive games.
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There were 8 lead changes in this game; all in the first 10 minutes.
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Kaleo Kina shot 1-for-6 from the field in the first half, and only played 8 minutes in the second period.
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American hosts Lafayette Friday night. Navy heads to Colgate Saturday, with fifth place likely on the line.
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