BALTIMORE — Navy used a decisive first-half run to take control and never let up, defeating Loyola University Maryland 78-51 on Wednesday night at Reitz Arena.

Loyola opened the game string and led 11-5 behind early scoring from Emmett Adair and Tyson Commander. Navy quickly answered, using defensive pressure and efficient shooting to flip the momentum. 

The Midshipmen went on a key 10-0 run midway through the first half that turned a two-point deficit into an eight-point lead and firmly shifted control of the game.

Austin Benigni sparked the surge with a 3-pointer, and Cam Cole followed with a fast-break triple after a Loyola turnover. Aidan Kehoe added a layup, and Navy's defense forced empty possessions that fueled the run. Jinwoo Kim later capped the stretch with back-to-back baskets as Navy pushed its advantage to double digits.

Navy led 43-25 at halftime after shooting better than 53 percent from the field and nearly 47 percent from 3-point range in the opening half. Benigni scored 13 first-half points, while Kehoe controlled the glass.

The Midshipmen continued to build their lead in the second half, extending it to as many as 27 points while maintaining defensive intensity. Kim finished with a game-high 25 points, matching Benigni's 25, as Navy shot 54.7 percent for the game and connected on 10 3-pointers. Navy also held a 34-22 advantage in points in the paint.

Adair led Loyola with 13 points as the Greyhounds fell to 11-19 overall and 7-10 in Patriot League play. Navy improved to 24-6 and remained atop the league standings, with its first-half run setting the tone for a wire-to-wire victory.