Pennsylvania seeks to break losing streak against Navy

On Friday, November 29, 2024, the Pennsylvania Quakers will host the Navy Midshipmen in Philadelphia. This matchup marks the first encounter of the season for both teams, with Pennsylvania looking to end a frustrating three-game losing streak. Currently, the Quakers hold a record of 2-3, and they have been struggling to make an impact in the Ivy League, ranking eighth in scoring at an average of 65.2 points per game while shooting 37.9% from the field. In contrast, the Navy Midshipmen, with a record of 2-4, offer a more robust offensive performance with an average of 75 points per game. This scoring success highlights a significant difference in statistical output compared to their opponents. Navy has been particularly effective on offense despite their recent struggles, managing to outscore opponents by 1.2 points per game, which reflects a balanced team effort, especially in shooting efficiency against their past adversaries. The game is even more critical for Pennsylvania as they have shown vulnerabilities while playing at home, having won 1 and lost 1 on their home court so far this season. Their past performances against Navy, which currently stands at 0-1 in road games, might influence game strategy, particularly in facing off against an opponent that has proven more effective in their scoring attempts. Key players are expected to play pivotal roles in determining the game's outcome, with Sam Brown leading the Quakers in three-point shooting while averaging 11.2 points per game. The Midshipmen rely heavily on Austin Benigni, who is their leading scorer with an impressive average of 18.7 points and shows a solid contribution on the boards with 2.3 rebounds per game. This dynamic matchup could ultimately define the path for both teams moving forward in the season, especially for Pennsylvania as they are under pressure to secure a win to reverse their recent fortunes.