The Patriot League's most compelling narrative reaches a pivotal chapter this Monday evening as the surging Navy Midshipmen travel to Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, to face the Bucknell Bison at Sojka Pavilion. This conference duel carries significant implications for both programs, with the visitors seeking to solidify their dominance while the hosts desperately need a signature victory to salvage their campaign.
Navy enters this contest as the undisputed class of the Patriot League, having orchestrated a remarkable seven-game winning streak that has propelled them to the summit of the conference standings. With an impressive 19-6 overall record and an 11-1 mark in league play, the Midshipmen have established themselves as the team to beat. Their current trajectory positions them favorably for a first-round bye in the upcoming conference tournament—a crucial advantage in the single-elimination format that determines the league's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
Conversely, Bucknell finds itself navigating through turbulent waters. The Bison sit fifth in the Patriot League with a 5-7 conference record and an 8-17 overall mark, placing them squarely in the middle of a crowded field. With only six regular-season games remaining on their schedule, every contest becomes increasingly critical for postseason positioning. A victory against the league leaders would not only boost their standing but also inject vital momentum into a program seeking consistency.
The contrast in recent form between these two squads could hardly be more pronounced. Navy's latest triumph came Saturday against American University, where they secured an 82-73 home victory that extended their winning streak to seven games. The performance showcased the Midshipmen's balanced attack and depth, with four players reaching double figures in scoring. Senior forward Aiden Kehoe delivered a commanding performance, registering a double-double with 22 points and 10 rebounds, demonstrating his ability to dominate both ends of the floor. His frontcourt partner, Donovan Draper, provided exceptional production off the bench, contributing 18 points while grabbing a game-high 14 rebounds for his own double-double. This interior presence has become Navy's calling card, as they consistently win the battle on the boards and convert high-percentage opportunities near the rim.
Bucknell's most recent outing told a far different story. The Bison suffered a discouraging 78-59 home defeat at the hands of second-place Colgate on Saturday, a loss that exposed their most glaring vulnerability. Despite a valiant 25-point effort from Amon Dörries, who shouldered the offensive burden admirably, and 18 points from Achile Spadone, Bucknell's shooting woes proved insurmountable. The team connected on just 32 percent of their field goal attempts and a dismal 12 percent from three-point range, making only 3 of 25 attempts from beyond the arc. Such perimeter inefficiency has plagued the Bison throughout conference play, and against a disciplined Navy defense that excels at contesting shots, this weakness becomes even more problematic.
The tactical matchup presents fascinating contrasts. Navy's success stems from their methodical, interior-focused offense and tenacious defense. They control tempo, limit possessions, and capitalize on their physical advantages in the paint. The Midshipmen's ability to generate second-chance opportunities through offensive rebounding creates a cumulative effect that wears down opponents over 40 minutes. Their defensive scheme prioritizes protecting the rim and forcing contested jump shots, a strategy that directly exploits Bucknell's shooting struggles.
For Bucknell to compete, they must find alternative scoring avenues. The three-point shot has long been part of their offensive identity, but continued reliance on a failing strategy courts disaster. Head coach John Griffin III will likely emphasize attacking the basket, drawing fouls, and creating open looks through ball movement rather than settling for contested threes. The Bison's frontcourt must establish a presence against Navy's formidable interior defense, potentially opening perimeter opportunities through inside-out action. However, executing this game plan against the league's best defense represents a monumental challenge.
Historical context adds another layer to this rivalry. While Bucknell holds a commanding 31-18 advantage in the all-time series, recent history favors Navy. The Midshipmen have captured the last two meetings, including a decisive 76-55 victory when these teams clashed early last month. That result demonstrated the gap between the programs' current trajectories, as Navy controlled the game from start to finish. However, conference matchups often defy historical trends, and Bucknell's home-court advantage at Sojka Pavilion—where passionate fans create a challenging atmosphere—could level the playing field.
The stakes extend beyond mere bragging rights. For Navy, maintaining the top seed ensures a direct path to the Patriot League semifinals, allowing them to rest while lower seeds battle through the opening rounds. This rest becomes invaluable in a tournament setting where physical conditioning often determines outcomes. Every remaining game serves as an opportunity to fine-tune rotations, build chemistry, and maintain the winning mentality that has carried them this far.
Bucknell's motivations are more urgent. A strong finish could elevate them into the top four, securing a home game in the tournament's first round. More importantly, defeating the conference leader would provide tangible proof that the Bison can compete with anyone when executing their game plan. Such a confidence boost might catalyze a tournament run, where anything becomes possible in single-elimination competition.
Game Details:
Fans can catch this compelling Patriot League showdown on Monday, February 9, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The broadcast will air live on CBS Sports Network, with streaming available through Fubo, offering viewers flexible options to follow the action. The game takes place at Bucknell's Sojka Pavilion, where the Bison will look to leverage their home-court advantage against the conference's premier team.
For those seeking to stream the contest, Fubo provides comprehensive coverage of college basketball, including Patriot League matchups. The platform offers a free trial period, allowing fans to watch without long-term commitment. Regional restrictions may apply, so viewers should verify availability in their location.
Key Storylines to Watch:
1. Can Bucknell solve their shooting crisis? The Bison's 3-for-25 performance against Colgate represents their season in microcosm. If they cannot find their range early, Navy will pack the paint and make scoring excruciatingly difficult.
2. Will Navy's frontcourt dominance continue? Kehoe and Draper have formed a formidable tandem. Their ability to control the glass and score efficiently inside has been the foundation of Navy's success. Bucknell's interior defense must rise to the occasion.
3. The battle of tempo: Navy prefers a deliberate pace that maximizes their physical advantages. Bucknell must find ways to speed up the game and create transition opportunities, as their half-court offense has struggled against set defenses.
4. Bench production: Navy's depth has been a significant advantage, with players like Draper providing starter-level production as reserves. Bucknell's bench must contribute meaningfully to offset this disparity.
5. Coaching chess match: Navy's Ed DeChellis has masterfully guided his team through conference play, while Griffin seeks solutions for his struggling squad. In-game adjustments could prove decisive.
As Monday night approaches, the contrast between these programs has never been starker. Navy represents a model of consistency and execution, having built their season on fundamental strengths and defensive intensity. Their journey toward a potential NCAA Tournament berth continues with each victory, and they enter this contest as heavy favorites.
Bucknell, meanwhile, embodies the desperation of a team fighting for its postseason life. The Bison possess talent—Dörries' 25-point outburst proves their capability—but translating individual performances into team success remains elusive. Their home crowd will demand maximum effort, and an upset would reverberate throughout the Patriot League.
The beauty of college basketball lies in its unpredictability. While Navy's dominance suggests a straightforward outcome, rivalries and home-court advantages have a way of producing unexpected results. Bucknell's players understand the opportunity before them: a chance to defeat the conference's best team, salvage their season, and build momentum for the tournament.
For neutral observers, this game offers a study in contrasting styles and circumstances. Navy's methodical approach and interior focus clash with Bucknell's perimeter-oriented attack that has recently gone cold. The team that imposes its will on the game's flow likely emerges victorious.
Ultimately, Monday's contest represents more than just another entry in the win-loss column. For Navy, it's about maintaining excellence and securing tournament positioning. For Bucknell, it's about survival, pride, and proving they belong among the Patriot League's competitive teams. When the ball tips at Sojka Pavilion, both teams will leave everything on the court, embodying the passion and intensity that make college basketball so captivating.
Don't miss this crucial Patriot League showdown as the Navy Midshipmen and Bucknell Bison battle for conference supremacy and postseason positioning. Tune in to CBS Sports Network or stream via Fubo to witness every moment of this compelling matchup.