On Monday, January 12, at 7 p.m., American University will face off against Navy in the latest chapter of their longstanding basketball rivalry, hosted at Bender Arena in Washington, D.C. This matchup marks the 109th meeting between the two teams, with Navy currently holding a slight edge in the series at 55 wins to 53 losses. The game will be broadcast live on CBS Sports Network, featuring commentary from Jason Knapp and Mo Cassara.
As fans gear up for the game, parking is available for $10 in campus garages after 5 p.m. on weekdays, and all-day during weekends, with payments facilitated through the PayByPhone app using code 211950. New this season is “The Perch,” a designated seating area behind the north basket for fans aged 21 and older. This year’s concessions area has also undergone a transformation with the introduction of “Bender Bites,” a collaboration with AU Kitchen that provides a wider variety of food and drink options.
In their last encounter during the 2024-25 Patriot League Championship, the Eagles turned the tables on a previously dominating Navy team. They earned a 74-52 victory in front of a home crowd, with standout performances including a remarkable 25-point contribution from Matt Rogers. This win was crucial for AU, as they had been on the losing end of six consecutive games to Navy amid their rivalry, particularly struggling at Bender Arena.
This season, American University is striving to regain its momentum after beginning the season with two wins in the Patriot League but facing recent setbacks, including a narrow two-point loss at Colgate and a challenging home game against Holy Cross where the Eagles fell 84-73 despite strong contributions from freshman Madden Collins, who scored a career-high 26 points.
Thus far, AU has established itself as a potent offensive force, ranking first in the Patriot League with an average of 77.4 points per game. The Eagles are also performing well in terms of turnovers and steals, holding a turnover margin of 2.59 and averaging 8.47 steals per game. Their successful play is reflected in their home record of 8-2 this season.
Navy, on the other hand, is riding a wave of momentum with an undefeated 4-0 start in Patriot League play and an overall record of 12-5. The Mids are recognized for their strong defensive capabilities, allowing only 60 points per game in league encounters. With standout performances from key players such as Aidan Kehoe, Austin Benigni, and Jordan Pennick, Navy is looking to extend its eight-game winning streak.
As excitement builds for the rematch, fans and players alike are eager for what promises to be an electrifying showdown at Bender Arena. With both teams bringing competitive spirit and recent successes, this pivotal game could have significant implications for the rest of the Patriot League season.