In a thrilling finish, Donovan Draper made a crucial jump shot with just three seconds left on the clock, propelling the Navy Midshipmen to a narrow 71-70 victory over the Lafayette Leopards on Sunday.
Draper finished the game with 17 points, showcasing his skills both offensively and defensively, as he also collected nine rebounds and recorded three steals for his team (5-10, 2-0 Patriot League).

Austin Benigni played a significant role in the Midshipmen’s victory, contributing 14 points along with five rebounds. Aidan Kehoe also had a solid performance, adding 12 points to the team’s efforts.

On the other side, the Leopards (6-9, 1-1) were led by Caleb Williams, who scored 16 points. Andrew Phillips made his mark with 15 points and eight rebounds, while Justin Vander Baan had a notable game, finishing with 13 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and an impressive six blocks.

Navy started strong, holding a 41-33 lead at halftime, largely thanks to Jordan Pennick, who tallied 10 points in the first half. Draper emerged as the key player after the break, leading all scorers in the second half with 11 points, highlighted by his last-minute game-winner.