Army West Point Ends Six-Game Skid with 81-73 Victory over FDU in Thanksgiving Classic

Bell Posts 16 Points, 7 Rebounds; Eli Records First Career Double-Double; Curry Ices Game with Six Technical Foul Free Throws

HACKENSACK, N.J. – Army West Point men’s basketball snapped a six-game losing streak and secured its first Division I victory of the season with an 81-73 road win over Fairleigh Dickinson on Wednesday, closing out the FDU Thanksgiving Classic with a dominant sophomore-led performance.

The Black Knights (2-6, 0-0 Patriot League) controlled the game from start to finish, building a 33-27 halftime lead and weathering multiple FDU runs in the second half before pulling away at the free-throw line. Army’s bench outscored FDU’s reserves 39-19, and the Black Knights shot 43.4 percent from the field while knocking down 11 three-pointers.

Sophomore Jaxson Bell led the charge with 16 points and 7 rebounds off the bench, while classmate Joshua Eli posted the first double-double of his career with 12 points and a team-high 11 rebounds. Junior guard Ryan Curry, a Montgomery, N.J., native, scored 14 points and delivered the knockout blow with six technical foul free throws in the closing seconds to ice the victory.

Game Details:

• Date: November 26, 2025
• Time: 2:00 PM ET
• Location: Bogota Savings Bank Center, Hackensack, New Jersey
• Attendance: 409
• Referees: Rob Riley Jr., Michael Luckie, Rob Riley
• Records: Army West Point (2-6, 0-0 Patriot League) vs. FDU (1-6, 0-0 NEC)

Sophomore Class Steps Up

The victory marked a turning point for Army West Point, which had struggled to find consistency through the first month of the season. The Black Knights’ sophomore class delivered when it mattered most, with Bell, Eli, and Jacen Holloway combining for 40 points and providing the offensive firepower needed to break through.

Bell’s 16-point, 7-rebound performance off the bench showcased his versatility and ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor. The sophomore forward shot 3-of-6 from the field, added two steals and one block, and provided a major spark in both halves. His corner three off a swing pass from Jackson Furman in the second half brought Army within 51-48 and ignited a crucial run.

“Well, first of all, it feels great to break that streak. You know, we work our tails off every day, prepping for this game and, you know, every game to follow,” Bell said postgame. “Honestly, we just attacked a mismatch that we saw. Our coaches put us in great positions to make plays, and as a team, you know, we find each other, and I can’t do this without my teammates, so they just found me for open shots and good looks, and it wouldn’t be possible without everybody working together.”

Bell’s energy and defensive intensity set the tone for the Black Knights, who forced FDU into difficult shots and controlled the tempo throughout the contest. His clutch free-throw shooting down the stretch—including two pairs in the final four minutes—helped Army protect narrow leads and seal the breakthrough win. Bell also recorded a crucial block on an FDU layup attempt in the first half and delivered multiple steals that sparked Army’s transition game.

Black Knights News:

• Army Losses Ninth Straight Game in “Dejecting” 3-1 Loss to Bentley
• Army West Point Men’s Basketball Falls to East Texas A&M 67-84 in FDU Thanksgiving Classic Opener
• Army Volleyball Falls to American 3-0 in Patriot League Championship

Eli’s double-double was the story of the second half. The sophomore forward dominated the glass with 11 rebounds while shooting 5-of-7 from the field for 12 points. His presence in the paint and ability to finish around the rim gave Army West Point a consistent interior threat and second-chance opportunities throughout the game.

“I mean, just coming out here as a team, we were hungry, stayed together. That’s what really kept us in the game, you know, just hungry,” Eli said. “For that first divisional win. We’re a young team, so, you know, a lot we need to work on. We’re not satisfied from this point. I mean, we got the win. We know what the win looks like. I’m just going to keep going.”

Eli’s emergence as a force in the second half turned the tide for Army. After FDU cut the lead to one point early in the period, Eli scored four field goals in a three-minute span to keep the Black Knights in rhythm. His clutch three-pointer from the top of the arc with four minutes remaining gave Army a 66-62 lead and sparked a decisive 7-0 personal run that put the game away. Eli also collected crucial offensive rebounds that extended Army possessions and kept FDU from gaining momentum.

Holloway added 12 points on 4-of-8 shooting and grabbed three rebounds, providing steady scoring in both halves. His energy off the bench and ability to attack the basket gave head coach Kevin Kuwik another reliable option in the rotation. Holloway’s two free throws in the first half helped Army build its early lead, and his strong cut and finish in the paint extended Army’s advantage to 31-22.

Ryan Curry Delivers in the Clutch

While the sophomore class provided the foundation, it was junior guard Ryan Curry who delivered the knockout blow. The Montgomery, N.J., native scored 14 points, including six critical technical foul free throws in the closing seconds that iced the game and sealed Army’s first Division I win.

Curry’s clutch free-throw shooting under pressure demonstrated the composure and experience that comes with being an upperclassman. The New Jersey native stepped to the line with 18 seconds remaining and calmly knocked down four straight attempts, then added two more to stretch the lead to 78-70 and silence any hopes of an FDU comeback.

Curry finished a perfect 6-of-6 from the free-throw line and added a team-high four assists and two rebounds in 32 minutes. His fifth consecutive double-digit scoring performance showcased his consistency and ability to perform in high-pressure situations. Curry also contributed two steals and demonstrated excellent ball control in the final minutes, including a crucial transition three-pointer early in the game that tied the score at 3-3.

The technical foul free throws came at a critical moment, as Army West Point looked to protect its lead and close out the win. With FDU still threatening and the game within reach, Curry’s perfect execution from the charity stripe showcased his mental toughness and leadership as one of the team’s upperclassmen. His ability to knock down consecutive free throws under pressure proved to be the difference-maker in a closely contested battle.

Supporting Cast Delivers

Kevin McCarthy contributed nine points and three assists, going 2-for-5 from beyond the arc. McCarthy’s right-wing three-pointer off a kick-out from Holloway in the second half helped Army restore a four-point cushion when FDU was threatening to take the lead.

Jackson Furman supplied eight points and two assists off the bench, shooting 2-for-4 from deep in 21 minutes. Furman’s deep three from the right wing in the first half tied the game at 15-15 and kept Army in rhythm during a crucial stretch.

Jorn Everson chipped in five points, including a three-pointer, while adding a pair of rebounds. Everson’s three-pointer off a skip pass from McCarthy gave Army its largest lead to that point at 26-21 in the first half.

Dayon Polk added three points in limited action, providing depth off the bench.

First Half: Army Controls Tempo

Army endured an early punch when FDU opened the game with a three-pointer from Raysean Johnson, but the Black Knights answered quickly. Curry buried a transition three to tie the score at 3-3, setting the tone for an aggressive offensive approach.

Moments later, Jorn Everson finished through contact to give Army its first lead at 5-4 off a feed from Tate Laczkowski. Army’s energy forced an early FDU timeout, and the Black Knights kept building momentum when Kevin McCarthy knocked down a three and Laczkowski converted a driving layup to extend the lead to 10-7.

Army continued to control tempo defensively, with Laczkowski grabbing multiple rebounds and the Knights forcing several FDU misses from deep. After FDU strung together a small run to move ahead 15-12, Furman steadied Army at the line and followed with a deep three from the right wing to tie the game at 15-15. Another Curry triple pushed Army ahead 18-17 entering the middle stretch of the half.

Holloway added two free throws as Army’s pressure defense continued generating stops, highlighted by strong interior work from Bell, who pulled down multiple boards and later assisted Curry for a deep wing three that pushed the margin to 23-19.

Everson then drilled another three off a skip pass from McCarthy, giving Army its largest lead to that point at 26-21.

Army’s defense remained active, with Bell blocking a layup, Eli controlling the glass, and the Knights forcing repeated FDU misses around the rim. The Black Knights pushed the lead to 29-21 when Bell stepped into a three after an offensive rebound by Everson, and Holloway extended the margin with a strong cut and finish to make it 31-22.

FDU chipped back to within six on late free throws, but Curry delivered another key basket, slashing through traffic for a layup that restored a 33-25 advantage entering the final minute. Army’s defense forced turnovers on back-to-back FDU possessions before the Knights missed a three at the horn, sending Army into halftime with a 33-27 lead.

First Half Statistics:

• Army: 11-28 FG (39.3%), 7-15 3PT (46.7%), 4-7 FT (57.1%)
• FDU: 10-29 FG (34.5%), 2-13 3PT (15.4%), 5-8 FT (62.5%)
• Lead Changes: 9

Second Half: Eli Takes Over

Army opened the second half protecting a 33-27 lead, but FDU quickly closed the gap with a pair of drives. After FDU trimmed it to 33-32, the Black Knights responded when McCarthy buried a right-wing three off a kick-out from Holloway to restore a four-point cushion.

Moments later, Army turned to its bench, bringing in Furman and Eli, who would soon become the anchor of the half. FDU briefly moved in front at 37-36 after a turnover and two free throws, but the Black Knights immediately shifted momentum.

Eli slipped behind the defense for a layup on a feed from Curry, then followed with another strong finish through traffic to put Army back ahead 40-37. After FDU answered with a three, Eli continued his emerging dominance, collecting rebounds on both ends and scoring again off a Curry assist to keep Army in rhythm as the pace quickened.

Army’s frontcourt became the story of the half. When FDU tied the game at 42-42, Eli again delivered, finishing at the rim for his fourth field goal in the span of three minutes. That sequence set the tone for the rest of the period, with the Black Knights’ front line dictating the interior battle.

With 15 minutes left, Bell checked back into the game and immediately made an impact. Bell calmly knocked down a free throw, then helped stabilize Army defensively as the game tightened. Minutes later, Bell splashed a corner three off a swing pass from Furman to bring Army within 51-48, then delivered again with a hard cut and finish that pulled Army to 55-54 during a back-and-forth stretch.

Army regained control when Holloway and Bell sparked a surge. Holloway powered through contact for a layup to make it 53-54, and moments later, Bell scored again in transition off an outlet from Furman. By the under-eight timeout, Eli reentered and picked up where he left off, hauling down rebounds, keeping possessions alive, and scoring another bucket inside to push Army ahead 57-54.

The Decisive Sequence

The decisive sequence came in the final four minutes. After FDU cut it to 63-62, Eli stepped out and drilled a clutch three from the top of the arc, assisted once more by Curry, giving Army a 66-62 lead.

On the next trip, Eli secured another defensive board and scored again at the rim to make it 68-62, completing a stretch where he scored seven straight Army points. The sophomore forward’s dominance in the paint and ability to hit the clutch three-pointer showcased his versatility and growth.

FDU kept firing threes, but the Army defense, led by Bell’s energy and Eli’s rebounding, held firm. Bell sank two more free throws at 3:53 and later added another pair at 1:11, each time protecting a narrow lead as FDU threatened. Holloway chipped in with steady scoring on drives, while Furman and Curry controlled tempo and delivered timely assists.

In the closing minute, Army sealed the win at the line. With 18 seconds remaining and FDU still within striking distance at 63-62, Curry stepped to the line and converted four straight technical free throws to stretch the lead to 78-70. Eli added another free throw, and Bell and McCarthy each hit late foul shots to close it out. Even as FDU hit a late three-pointer with six seconds remaining to cut it to 79-73, Curry calmly stepped to the line again and delivered two more technical free throws to seal the 81-73 road victory.

Second Half Statistics:

• Army: 12-25 FG (48.0%), 4-13 3PT (30.8%), 20-26 FT (76.9%)
• FDU: 14-34 FG (41.2%), 6-19 3PT (31.6%), 12-17 FT (70.6%)
• Lead Changes: 9

Staying Together Through Adversity

When the game hung in the balance and FDU threatened to take control, head coach Kevin Kuwik called a crucial timeout to steady his young team. His message was simple but powerful, rooted in the values that define Army West Point basketball.

“I mean, just being at West Point, you face a lot of adversity. So just bouncing back from that. Nothing new. Stay together,” Eli recalled of Kuwik’s timeout message.

Bell echoed that sentiment when asked about the coach’s message during the critical timeout. “His message during that timeout was what it always is: stay together, fight together. We live by TTD, so being tough, together, and detailed, we embodied that today, and I feel like we really embodied what the coaches had to say for us and executed the game plan.”

The “TTD” philosophy—tough, together, and detailed—has become the foundation of Kuwik’s program, and it was on full display as the Black Knights weathered FDU’s runs and executed down the stretch to secure the victory.

Breaking the Skid

The victory ended a six-game losing streak that had tested Army West Point’s resolve and confidence. The Black Knights had battled through a challenging early-season schedule but had been unable to secure a Division I victory until Wednesday’s breakthrough performance in Hackensack.

Head coach Kevin Kuwik, a veteran who served in Iraq, was visibly proud of his team’s selfless approach and hard-fought victory in a college basketball landscape increasingly dominated by individual agendas.

“Oh, I mean, great thing for our guys. I mean, college basketball right now is so selfish. It’s every man for himself at NIL, and these guys are in it for each other. So they work their butts off, they care for each other, and it’s just nice to see that get rewarded with a hard-fought win,” Kuwik said postgame.

The win provides a much-needed boost of confidence for a young Army team that features multiple sophomores in key roles. The breakthrough performance demonstrated the potential of the Black Knights’ roster and the progress the team has made under Kuwik.

Army’s balanced scoring attack and ability to execute down the stretch were key factors in ending the skid. Four players scored in double figures, and the Black Knights made critical plays on both ends of the floor when the game was on the line.

The Black Knights now hold a 10-5 overall series record over FDU, stretching their win streak to two straight wins in the series. Army also earned its first win over a Division I team in the 2025-26 season.

A Somber Backdrop: Honoring Fallen Guardsmen

The victory came on a day marked by tragedy. Just before the game ended, news broke that two National Guardsmen had been killed in the line of duty in Washington, D.C. ****(UPDATE: The Guardsmen are still alive but in critical condition and still fighting for their lives)****For a team preparing to serve their country as commissioned officers, the loss hit close to home.

Kuwik, who served in Iraq and understands the weight of military service, addressed the tragedy with the perspective of a soldier and the heart of a coach.

“I mean, as a vet myself, I mean, any time, obviously, we’re serving our country. You’re in it for something bigger than yourselves. You know that you’re putting it on the line. I was in Iraq, and I mean, I hate it for those men and their families. It’s disappointing, but… That being said, that’s what we all sign up for. That’s what you raise your right hand for. And you’ve got whatever you’re called on to do, you’ve got to do that,” Kuwik said.

“For me, it’s an honor to coach these young men and prepare them for that responsibility as they get commissioned. And, you know, being a vet and serving the Army is something that I’m proud of. And every single person who has served or will serve or is serving, you know, they’re my teammates, my brothers and my sisters. I care for all of them.”

The tragedy served as a stark reminder of the unique mission that defines Army West Point athletics. These young men are not just student-athletes—they are future Army officers preparing to lead soldiers and serve their country. The victory, while meaningful, carried a deeper significance in light of the day’s events.

Bench Production and Defensive Dominance

Army’s bench produced 39 points, outscoring FDU’s reserves, who finished with 19 points. The Black Knights’ depth and ability to maintain intensity throughout the game were critical factors in the victory.

Bell’s 16 points off the bench led the way, while Furman supplied eight points and two assists, shooting 2-for-4 from deep in 21 minutes. Everson chipped in five points, including a three-pointer, while adding a pair of rebounds. Polk contributed three points in limited action.

Defensively, Army held FDU to 25 percent shooting from three-point range, limiting the Knights to an 8-for-32 mark from the perimeter. The Black Knights’ ability to contest shots and force difficult attempts kept FDU from building momentum and allowed Army to control the tempo.

Army shot 43.4 percent from the field and 39.3 percent from three-point range, knocking down 11 three-pointers in the win. The Black Knights converted 24 of 33 free throws (72.7 percent), including a strong 20-for-26 effort after halftime that sealed the victory. Army also dominated the glass with 38 total rebounds compared to FDU’s 40, but the Black Knights’ 10 offensive rebounds led to 11 second-chance points.

Team Statistics Comparison:

FDU’s Effort

Despite the loss, Fairleigh Dickinson (1-6, 0-0 NEC) mounted a competitive effort and kept the game close throughout. Raysean Johnson led the Knights with 16 points on 4-of-8 shooting, while Eric Parnell added 13 points. Noah Melson contributed nine points, and Cyril Martynov also scored nine with seven rebounds.

Arthur Cox came off the bench to score 10 points and grab five rebounds, while Taeshaud Jackson pulled down a game-high 14 rebounds despite scoring only seven points. Joey Niesman added six points and three assists in 25 minutes.

FDU’s bench produced 19 points and the Knights showed resilience in the second half, shooting 41.2 percent from the field. However, the Knights’ three-point shooting (25 percent) and inability to match Army’s bench production proved costly.

Sophomore Affair in New Jersey

The game marked a homecoming of sorts for several Army players, including Curry, who grew up in Montgomery, N.J. The junior guard’s clutch performance in his home state added an extra layer of significance to the victory.

The sophomore class’s dominance throughout the contest highlighted the young talent on Army’s roster and the potential for growth as the season progresses. Bell, Eli, and Holloway combined for 40 points and 21 rebounds, showcasing the depth and versatility of the Black Knights’ second-year players.

The victory also demonstrated Army’s ability to compete at the Division I level when the team plays with confidence and executes its game plan. The Black Knights’ balanced attack and clutch free-throw shooting down the stretch were hallmarks of a mature performance.

Looking Ahead: Manhattan at Christl Arena

The Black Knights return to Christl Arena after four straight games on the road on Saturday, Nov. 29, taking on the Manhattan University Jaspers at 1 p.m. ET. The game will stream live on ESPN+ and the Army Sports Network.

The two teams have a long history dating back to 1905, with Army holding a 44-29 series record over the Jaspers. The two teams faced off most recently last season, with Manhattan claiming a narrow 80-79 win in Riverdale, N.Y., on Nov. 22, 2024.

Kuwik knows the challenge ahead and plans to use the Thanksgiving break wisely to prepare his team for another tough test.

“Saturday is going to come quick. But first things first, we’ve got to get our— we play two games in two days. Got to get our bodies right. Manhattan, we had a great game with them last year. They got us at the end. It’s going to take a really good effort. So we’ve just got to get our bodies right, get our minds right, get locked in, try to do this again,” Kuwik said.

The Black Knights will look to carry the momentum from this victory into their home opener against Manhattan and continue developing the chemistry and confidence needed to compete in Division I basketball in a tough conference. The sophomore class’s emergence as a reliable scoring threat gives Kuwik multiple options in the rotation and provides optimism for the future of the program.

Key Takeaways

1. First Divisional Win: Army West Point (2-6, 0-0 Patriot League) ended a six-game losing streak with an 81-73 road victory over Fairleigh Dickinson (1-6, 0-0 NEC) in the FDU Thanksgiving Classic.

2. Eli’s Breakout Performance: Sophomore Joshua Eli recorded the first double-double of his career with 12 points and 11 rebounds, shooting 5-of-7 from the field. His clutch three-pointer and 7-0 personal run in the final four minutes sealed the victory.

3. Bell’s Bench Spark: Sophomore Jaxson Bell scored 16 points on 3-of-6 shooting and added seven rebounds, two steals, and one block off the bench, providing a major spark in both halves.

4. Curry’s Clutch Free Throws: Junior guard Ryan Curry scored 14 points and went 6-of-6 from the free-throw line, including six technical foul free throws in the closing seconds to ice the game. His perfect execution from the line proved decisive.

5. Balanced Attack: Four players scored in double figures, with Jacen Holloway adding 12 points on 4-of-8 shooting. Army’s bench outscored FDU’s reserves 39-19.

6. Defensive Dominance: Army held FDU to 25 percent shooting from three-point range (8-of-32) and forced multiple turnovers with pressure defense. The Black Knights also dominated the fast break, scoring 10 points compared to FDU’s 3.

7. Second Half Execution: Army shot 48.0 percent from the field and 76.9 percent from the free-throw line in the second half, demonstrating improved execution and composure down the stretch.

8. Series History: Army now holds a 10-5 overall series record over FDU, stretching its win streak to two straight wins in the series.

9. Home Opener Next: Army returns to Christl Arena on Saturday, Nov. 29, to face Manhattan (44-29 series lead) at 1 p.m. ET on ESPN+ and the Army Sports Network.

10. Venue & Attendance: The game was played at the Bogota Savings Bank Center in Hackensack, New Jersey, in front of 409 fans.

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