American University Edges Lafayette in Patriot League Semifinal, Sets Up Championship Clash with Navy
American University men’s basketball team punched their ticket to the Patriot League Championship game with a thrilling 71-69 comeback victory over Lafayette in the semifinal on Sunday night. Despite trailing by double digits at halftime, the Eagles stormed back in the second half, fueled by a dominant performance from Matt Rogers and clutch shooting down the stretch.
With this victory, American advances to face Navy in the Patriot League Championship, with an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament on the line. The title matchup is set for Wednesday, March 12, at Bender Arena in Washington, D.C.
Second-Half Surge Propels Eagles to Victory
The game started off rough for American, as Lafayette came out firing on all cylinders. The Leopards controlled the first half, building a 34-23 lead by halftime. Lafayette’s defensive intensity stifled American’s offense early, forcing turnovers and limiting high-percentage looks.
However, the second half was a completely different story. American came out with renewed energy, ramping up defensive pressure and attacking the basket with more aggression. Graduate forward Matt Rogers took over the game, finishing with 25 points and 8 rebounds, including several key baskets in the closing minutes. His performance was the driving force behind the Eagles’ comeback, earning him player of the game honors.
Senior guard Colin Smalls also played a pivotal role, chipping in 11 points, while the Eagles' defense tightened up late, forcing Lafayette into tough shots in crunch time. A late three-pointer by Smalls helped seal the victory, along with clutch free throws in the final seconds.
On the other side, Lafayette’s CJ Fulton led his team with 18 points and 5 assists, while forward Kyle Jenkins added 16 points and 7 rebounds. Despite their strong first half, the Leopards couldn't withstand American’s second-half surge.
Stat Breakdown:
- American University Eagles
- Matt Rogers: 25 points, 8 rebounds
- Colin Smalls: 11 points, 3 three-pointers
- Bench Production: 15 points combined
- Second-Half Scoring: 48 points (outscored Lafayette 48-35)
- Lafayette Leopards
- CJ Fulton: 18 points, 5 assists
- Kyle Jenkins: 16 points, 7 rebounds
- First-Half Lead: 11 points (34-23 halftime score)
American’s ability to lock in defensively and hit timely shots made the difference, proving their resilience as they now turn their focus to the next challenge—Navy.
Patriot League Championship Preview: American vs. Navy
With the semifinal win secured, American now faces off against a familiar opponent, the Navy Midshipmen, in the Patriot League Championship. The two teams met twice during the regular season, with Navy winning both contests. However, with a championship and NCAA Tournament bid at stake, American will look to flip the script.
Navy’s Path to the Championship
Navy earned their spot in the title game by defeating Bucknell in the other semifinal, led by Austin Benigni’s impressive 24-point performance. The Midshipmen have been a tough defensive team all season and will look to slow down Rogers and Smalls in the championship matchup.
Key Matchups to Watch
- Matt Rogers (American) vs. Daniel Deaver (Navy)
Rogers has been dominant throughout the Patriot League Tournament, but Deaver, Navy’s top rebounder and inside presence, will be tasked with slowing him down. - Colin Smalls (American) vs. Austin Benigni (Navy)
Smalls’ ability to hit clutch shots will be tested against Benigni, who is coming off a record-setting performance with 20 made free throws in the semifinal. - Battle in the Paint
Rebounding will be critical in this game, as both teams rely heavily on their bigs to control the tempo. Whichever team wins the rebounding battle will have a significant advantage.
Game Information:
- Matchup: American University (2) vs. Navy (5)
- Date & Time: Wednesday, March 12, 2025 – 7:00 PM ET
- Location: Bender Arena, Washington, D.C.
- TV Broadcast: CBS Sports Network
American will have the benefit of playing at home, where they’ve been strong all season. If they can execute offensively and maintain their defensive intensity from the second half of the semifinal, the Eagles will have a strong chance to claim their first Patriot League title since 2014.
This championship matchup is set to be a battle between two of the Patriot League’s top teams. Will American complete their redemption arc and punch their ticket to the Big Dance, or will Navy continue their postseason run with an upset? All eyes will be on Bender Arena for what promises to be an exciting showdown.