Navy Sweeps Army in Star Series Showdown: Rivalry Remains, Respect Endures

By J.J. Pavlick | February 21, 2026 | Christl Arena – West Point, NY

The Army–Navy rivalry stands as one of the most enduring traditions in American sports. On Saturday at Christl Arena, Navy showed why it leads the Patriot League. The Midshipmen earned an 81–63 win in the Star Game and completed the season sweep. They also secured bragging rights on both the men’s and women’s sides. Even with the margin, the game reflected the pride, discipline, and respect shared by both academies.

Navy Sets the Tone Early

Navy attacked from the opening tip. Army answered with toughness and refused to give ground. Jaxson Bell scored 17 points and kept the Black Knights in the fight. The first four minutes featured back‑and‑forth scoring as both teams searched for momentum.

Navy broke the game open with a 10–0 run midway through the first half. That surge created a double‑digit lead that Army chased the rest of the night.

Bell stayed aggressive and went 9‑for‑10 at the line. Ryan Curry, Dylan Benner, Jorn Everson, and Kevin McCarthy each added eight points. Curry also led Army with four assists. Army hit timely threes and played with energy, but Navy’s efficiency held firm. The Midshipmen shot 47.7 percent and went 32‑for‑40 at the stripe.

Balanced Scoring Pushes Navy Ahead

Navy’s offense clicked from every spot on the floor. Austin Benigni scored 27 points and hit three of four from deep. He also went 12‑for‑12 at the line. Aidan Kehoe added 16 points and 11 rebounds. Jinwoo Kim and Donovan Draper scored 13 and 10 points.

Navy won the rebounding battle 36–24. They drew fouls, controlled the paint, and stayed patient in half‑court sets. Their discipline grew stronger as the game progressed.

Army’s Second‑Half Push Shows Heart

Army opened the second half with its best stretch of the game. Everson, McCarthy, and Laczkowski each hit threes. Bell kept attacking and trimmed the deficit to single digits. The crowd responded, and the building came alive.

Navy answered every run. Benigni steadied the Midshipmen with tough shots and calm leadership. Their depth and poise closed the door on any comeback attempt.

A Rivalry Built on Character

Even as the score widened, the rivalry’s identity never faded. Both teams played with grit and honor. Army emptied the bench late, giving more players a chance to feel the moment.

Navy secured its second straight Star Game win and the season sweep. Army last won the rivalry in 2024. The loss stings, but the meaning of the game remains larger than the scoreboard. These young men compete fiercely for their academy, but they stand united in service when the game ends.

There were no postgame quotes. The result spoke for itself. The respect between these teams — and for what they represent — is the lasting image.

What’s Next for Army

Army returns home next week to face Bucknell. The Black Knights will regroup, carry the lessons from this rivalry, and move forward with pride.

Final Score

Navy 81, Army West Point 63 Attendance: 4,568

Box Score Highlights

• Jaxson Bell (Army): 17 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists
• Austin Benigni (Navy): 27 points, 3‑for‑4 3PT, 12‑for‑12 FT
• Aidan Kehoe (Navy): 16 points, 11 rebounds
• Team Stats: Navy shot 47.7% to Army’s 37.7% and won the glass 36–24

Bad Dawg Sports salutes all who wear the uniform — on the court and in defense of our nation. When the horn sounds, they are always on the same team where it matters most.

Rivalries fade when the horn sounds, but the respect never does. If you want more stories that honor the fight, the pride, and the young men and women who wear the uniform, join our newsletter for just $2/year. Bad Dawg Sports tells these games the way they deserve to be told.