NCAA News Wire

American 64, Navy 55

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Guard John Schoof hit back-to-back 3-pointers, the last with 48.2 seconds remaining in the game, to lead the American University Eagles to a key 64-55 victory over the Navy Midshipmen in Patriot League basketball Wednesday night in Annapolis, Md.

The visiting Eagles were up only three points when guard Jesse Reed’s desperation, long 3-pointer as the shot clock expired gave them their biggest lead of the game to that point, 54-48.

Then, Schoof followed up with his back-to-back treys to break the game open.

With the win, the Eagles (17-11, 13-4) kept alive their hopes of earning a share of the regular-season conference title and No. 1 seed in next week’s league tournament.

They are already assured of a first-round bye and will host a quarterfinal game in the event. They close out the regular-season Saturday at home against Bucknell.

Navy (9-19, 4-13) saw its chances of hosting a first-round game eliminated. The Midshipmen will open the tournament on the road Monday against a team to be determined after hosting Loyola-Maryland Saturday in their regular-season finale.

American had four players in double figures with Schoof and guard Darius Gardner leading the way with 15 points each. Reed had 12 and center Tony Wroblicky had 10 for the Eagles.

Navy guard Brandon Venturini, coming off a three-point effort his previous game, led all scorers with 18 points. Forward Worth Smith added 11 for the Midshipmen.