Jordan Sugars scored 21 points to lead five players in double figures as Navy held off Longwood 78-70 on Friday night in the season opener for both teams.
James Loupos, Isaiah Roberts, and J.J. Avila all scored 11 points and Brennan Wyatt added 10 points for Navy. Sugars grabbed eight rebounds and Avila tallied nine to help Navy hold a 40-33 rebounding edge.
Longwood fought back to tie the score 63-63 with 5:30 to play, but the Midshipmen outscored the Lancers 15-7 over the final 4:39.
The Lancers played sound defense, forcing 14 Navy turnovers. However, Longwood shot poorly from the line, missing nine free throws - including seven in the second half, in a game that saw 22 lead changes.
Tristan Carey led all Lancer scorers with 17 points while Jeremiah Bowman and Antwan Carter each scored 13 points.
With the win, Navy improves to 9-0 all-time against Longwood.
