A close, back and forth game between two contenders for Patriot League regular season title turned when AU went four minutes without a basket early in the second half. The Army Black Knights built up a 10 point lead, which proved too much to overcome for the Eagles.
The 68-60 loss Saturday marked the Eagles first Patriot League loss as well as their first loss in the calendar year.
Senior guard Jen Dumiak led the way with 19 points and senior forward Arron Zimmerman added 16 points and seven rebounds in a losing effort for the Eagles (12-7, 7-1 PL). Army (13-5, 5-3 PL), the pre-season coaches' selection to top the Patriot League, were paced by preseason Patriot League of the Year and leading scorer junior guard Kelsey Minato's 26 points.
The teams played a tight first half, and AU's 19-14 lead with six minutes left in the half marked the largest lead for either team. Minato's back-to-back field goals immediately tied the game and a layup by freshman guard Destinee Morris with three seconds left gave the Black Knights the slender 27-25 halftime advantage.
The second half started much like the first, with neither team able to pull away. However, AU was stuck on 31 points for four minutes, during which Army stretched its lead to 10.
AU slowly chipped away at the lead and two Zimmerman free throws with three minutes left closed the deficit to three at 55-52. After a defensive stop AU had the chance to tie, but Zimmerman missed a three-point attempt. Army then closed the Eagles out with free throws from senior forward Olivia Schretzman.
The loss means the Eagles only hold a one game advantage in the loss column over United States Naval Academy in the Patriot League standings for first place. The Mids will visit Bender Arena on Jan. 24 at 8 p.m. for the Eagles annual Phil Bender Day.
