WILMINGTON, N.C. -- Aidan Kehoe's 20-point game made him one of four players to score in double figures as the Navy men's basketball team (4-3) never trailed in recording an 84-51 victory over Gardner-Webb (0-7), Wednesday afternoon at Trask Coliseum in Wilmington, N.C.

"Really proud of the guys for the effort," said Navy head coach Jon Perry.  "I thought their attention to detail and concentration the last two days and this morning in the hotel –– we walked through things at the hotel today instead of coming to the arena –– and (through it all) the guys gave really good attention and executed the game plan really well."  

The teams traded baskets in the early going, then Navy used a 14-2 run to open up a 26-11 lead at the midpoint of the first half.  Gardner-Webb made it a 10-point game at 30-23 and 33-23, then Navy went on an 8-0 run to build a 41-23 advantage.  The teams went into the locker rooms with the Mids holding a 41-29 lead.

Kehoe totaled 13 points and nine rebounds in the first half.  He was 6-8 from the floor to help the Mids to a 48.3 percent shooting effort in the first 20 minutes.

Navy also was very opportunistic in the first half as it scored 13 points after the eight turnovers it forced while the Bulldogs tallied just two points after the six turnovers committed by the Mids.

Navy began the second half on an 8-1 run to build a 49-30 lead less than four minutes into the frame.  Gardner-Webb drew to within 14 points at 55-41, then the Mids responded by scoring the next 11 points as part of a 21-3 run that gave them a 76-44 lead with less than four minutes remaining.

Navy improved both its offense and defense in the second half as it shot 53.6 percent from the floor after halftime and saw Gardner-Webb's shooting fall from 42.9 percent in the first half to 30.4 percent in the second.  The Mids ended the game with an overall mark of 50.9 percent –– they had 20 assists on 29 made field goals –– and the Bulldogs shot just 37.3 percent.

"They guys have worked really hard over the spring and summer and into the fall," said Perry.  "I'm happy for them to be able to execute and share the basketball this way.  I think they are playing for the name on the front of their jersey; that's something we talk about a lot, and trying to be five guys versus the ball defensively and five guys versus the opponents offensively."

The Mids also successfully used the long ball on the night as they were 11-24 (45.8%) from beyond the arc and limited Gardner-Webb to a 4-25 (16.0%) effort.  Navy won the battle on the glass, 40-23, which included a 13-6 edge in offensive boards.  That latter statistic allowed the Mids to hold a 21-6 advantage in second-chance points.

"Taking care of the basketball," said Perry, as to how the Mids were able to control the pace.  "Obviously shooting 51 percent from the field and 46 percent from three helps because now they (Gardner-Webb) are taking the ball out of the basket.  They like to get it up the floor quickly after makes, too.  Taking care of the ball and moving it from side to side, and Austin Benigni does a really good job of controlling the tempo."

Kehoe scored a career-high 21 points in Saturday's win over NJIT.  He also added 14 caroms today to record his second-straight double-double.  

"We moved the ball and played inside out through Aidan," said Perry.  "He did a great job tonight of handling their trapping.  He scored when he needed to be aggressive and also kicked the ball out for some open shooters."

Mike Woods tied a career high with 17 points, Benigni contributed 12 points and six assists and Jinwoo Kim added 11 points.  Finishing one-point shy of having a fifth player in double digits for the second-straight game was Jordan Pennick with nine points.

Not to be lost in the scoring totals was Donovan Draper with 10 rebounds and five assists.

Navy remains in Wilmington for the next few days as it will play Friday against UNCW and Saturday against Southeastern Louisiana.