Navy is set to face Bucknell in a highly anticipated Patriot League matchup on Monday, February 9, at 6 p.m. in the Sojka Pavilion, Lewisburg, Pa. The game will be broadcasted on CBS Sports Network, with radio coverage provided by WNAV and WFED.
The rivalry between Navy and Bucknell has been closely contested over the last 19 games, with the Mids scoring 1,296 points (68.2 PPG) and the Bison tallying 1,278 points (67.3 PPG). The recent history of this matchup has been intense, with Navy and Bucknell having their last three encounters decided by a total of just 18 points.
Navy has historically played more games against Bucknell than any other opponent since joining the Patriot League, with this matchup marking the 79th encounter. Furthermore, the Mids have played 40 true road games in Bucknell’s home city, the most in any Patriot League location.
The Mids are coming off an impressive performance that saw them defeat American 82-73, with standout players Chris Kehoe and David Draper both recording double-doubles. Navy fought back from an early deficit, demonstrating resilience and strong shooting, with the team ending the game with a solid 56 percent shooting percentage.
Bucknell enters the game with an overall record of 8-17 and a home record of 5-5, having recently lost to Colgate. However, the Bison have performed well in close games, boasting a 5-3 record in league games decided by fewer than ten points.
Historically, Bucknell leads the series 48-46, including a significant advantage in games played at home. The game’s outcome could be pivotal for both teams as they look to position themselves for a strong finish in the league.
Navy’s senior guard, Austin Benigni, has been a driving force for the team, recently achieving his 1,700th career point. He stands among the top scorers in both Navy’s history and the Patriot League, while also excelling in free throw shooting accuracy, reinforcing his importance as a leader on the court.
As both teams gear up for this exciting matchup, fans can expect a high-energy game that will highlight the strengths of two competitive squads in the Patriot League landscape. With Navy’s current momentum and Bucknell’s determination to turn their season around, Monday’s game promises to be another thrilling chapter in this storied rivalry.