Men's Basketball Unable to Keep Up with Navy in Second Half, Loses 77-66

Jan. 30, 2008

Box Score

WASHINGTON - Navy's Greg Sprink scored a career-high 36 points, including hitting 17-of-18 free throws, and the Midshipmen came back from a two-point halftime deficit to defeat the American University men's basketball team, 77-66, Wednesday at Bender Arena. The loss to the Mids was the first for the Eagles in Bender Arena since 1991 and just the second in the last 16 overall meetings.

With the game tied at 42 a piece, Navy's Chris Harris hit his third three-pointer of the evening to put the visitors up, 45-42, at the 15:16 mark of the second half. The Midshipmen never trailed again, eventually building up a lead of eight points with just over 10 minutes remaining.

American wouldn't quit, though, and put together 9-3 run over the next 2:37 that got the Eagles within two points with 7:23 left. Navy's Harris answered with another bucket to put his team up four, and on the ensuing possession, American's chance to pull within one ended when Brian Gilmore's three-point attempt missed its mark. Harris' jumper then became part of a 7-0 run for USNA and AU never got within five the rest of the way.

American held a 37-35 lead at halftime, thanks in part to a defense that held the Mids to just 32.1 shooting in the opening period.

American, which falls to 11-10 overall and 3-3 in the Patriot League, was led by Gilmore's career-high-tying 16 points. He added six rebounds and four assists. Meanwhile, senior forward Travis Lay notched 15 points and nine rebounds (seven offensive) in just 24 minutes. Garrison Carr was the only other Eagle in double-figures, with 11 points, including three three-pointers. He now has 83 treys on the season, just four away from break the school record of 86 and 17 from breaking the Patriot League record of 99. Freshman Nick Hendra added a career-high eight points.

American lost despite outrebounding the Mids, 47-31. American's 47 boards were a team season-high and included 21 offensive rebounds. AU outscored Navy, 28-13, on second-chance points and 28-8 in bench points.

The Midshipmen were led by Sprink's 36 points, the most the Eagles have given up to a single player this season. Harris added 15 points and three assists. Navy moves to 10-11 overall, 3-3 in the Patriot League.

American travels to first place Lafayette on Saturday, Feb. 2, for a 1 p.m. tip. The game will be broadcast live on RCN TV 8, with play-by-play by Gary Laubach. The game will also be available on Eagle Vision All*Access. Click here to watch or to subscribe.