Pennick Leads Navy Past Delaware State 66-60

Navy Edges Out Delaware State 66-60 in a Battle of Early-Season Form

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — A gritty, back-and-forth contest at Alumni Hall saw the Navy Midshipmen escape with a 66-60 victory over the Delaware State Hornets on Thursday night, Yahoo Sports reported. The game, a matchup of two teams both entering with 1-1 records, came down to the final moments, showcasing a defensive struggle and a star player stepping up when his team needed him most.

The story of this game isn’t just in the final score, but in the way it was won. Navy’s defense clamped down in crucial stretches, while Jordan Pennick, the team’s leading scorer, delivered a performance that was both efficient and resilient in the face of a tough defensive effort.

Pennick’s Pacing Leads the Midshipmen

For Navy, the victory was anchored by the steady hand of Jordan Pennick. The guard finished with a team-high 24 points, a number that tells only part of the story. Pennick was a model of efficiency from the free-throw line, knocking down 11 of 14 attempts to keep Navy in the game during Delaware State’s runs. He scored 11 of his points in the first half, helping the Midshipmen build a slim 32-29 lead at the break, then poured in 13 more in the second half to secure the win.

Pennick Leads Navy Past Delaware State 66-60 — Photo: espn.com

But Pennick’s impact wasn’t limited to just scoring. His ability to draw fouls and consistently convert from the charity stripe proved critical, especially as the game grew tight. Navy’s offense wasn’t always smooth, but Pennick’s free-throw shooting provided a reliable source of points when the team’s field goal percentage dipped.

Delaware State’s Fierce Fight

Don’t mistake this for a rout. Delaware State kept the score close throughout, matching Navy’s intensity on both ends of the floor. The Hornets were paced by Nehemiah Reedus, who finished with 17 points, seven rebounds, and three steals, providing a constant offensive threat on the perimeter.

The Hornets’ guard play was a key factor in their ability to stay in the game. Nasir Muhammad added 16 points, six assists, and four steals, acting as the engine for Delaware State’s offense. His ability to create for himself and his teammates made him a handful for the Navy defense all night. The Hornets’ defensive pressure, evidenced by their 12 steals as a team, forced Navy into numerous turnovers and kept the game within reach until the final buzzer.

Navy Men's Basketball Interview: David Burnett (Delaware State)

The Turning Point: A Second-Half Burst

The game’s defining sequence came in the second half. After a tight first 20 minutes, Navy used a decisive 12-2 run to seize control of the contest. With 18:53 remaining in the game, the Midshipmen extended their lead to 36-29, a small but significant margin that shifted the momentum. This wasn’t a flashy, highlight-reel run; it was a product of disciplined defense and smart, patient offense that forced the Hornets into tough shots and defensive breakdowns.

Following that run, the Hornets fought back, chipping away at the lead and making Navy earn every single point down the stretch. The game remained a one-possession affair for much of the final 10 minutes, showing Delaware State’s resilience and the physical nature of the matchup.

Inside the Numbers: A Tale of Two Halves

The statistics reveal the story of a game where Navy’s ability to execute in key moments made the difference. The Midshipmen’s star, Pennick, shot just 5 for 14 from the field but his free-throw rate was the difference-maker.

For Delaware State, the numbers show a balanced attack but a struggle to close out possessions. The Hornets shot a respectable percentage from the floor, but their 12 steals were offset by 15 turnovers. While they forced Navy into mistakes, they couldn’t always capitalize on the other end. The Hornets’ guard duo of Reedus and Muhammad combined for 33 points, but the lack of a consistent third scoring option left them vulnerable when Navy’s defense keyed in on those two.

Navy head coach praised the character of his team, noting that Delaware State played with a lot of heart and that Pennick’s performance at the free-throw line was crucial to the victory.

For Delaware State, it was a sign that they can compete with established programs but need to improve their ability to protect a late lead.

The final score of 66-60 tells you who won, but the box score and the flow of the game tell you why. It was a battle of wills, a game where the team that made the fewest mistakes and capitalized on the smallest advantages walked away with the victory. In the early season, that often matters more than a blowout.

Worth a look