WEST POINT – The Army West Point men’s basketball team (4-9, 0-0 PL) defeated Merchant Marine on Saturday afternoon behind a double-double from star freshman Josh Scovens.
The three-time Patriot League Rookie of the Week made a strong case to win for the fourth time and third straight time, becoming the first Army freshman since at least 2013-14 to have three consecutive games with 20 points or more. It is the second double-double of his young career.
The first half was defined by runs, after Merchant Marine took a 4-2 lead, the Black Knights proceeded to go on a 12-0 run to take a 10 point lead.
The Mariners then used a 16-6 run to tie things back up at 20-20.
After going back and forth for the rest of the half the Black Knights took a one point lead into the locker room.
After opening the second half on a 10-4 run, Merchant Marine led 39-34 with 14:49 to play.
Army responded with an 8-0 run to regain a 45-41 lead with just nine minutes to go.
That would be the last time Army trailed as they would ride out to a 58-50 win to win its second consecutive game. The Black Knights now head to Patriot League play having won four of their last six games.
TJ Small was the only other Black Knight in double figures finishing with 15 points.
Scovens was a stat sheet stuffer, finishing with 20 points, 10 rebounds, three blocks all of which were game highs, and he also added two assists and one steal to his night.
Army will now take on Lafayette in the Patriot League opener on Jan. 3 on the road.
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