Navy Men’s Basketball Dominates Central Penn 102-46 as Justin Nordin Leads Midshipmen to Second Straight Win
By Brian Hradsky
November 10, 2026 | Maryland Sports Blog | Navy Men’s Basketball
FINAL: Navy 102, Central Penn 46
The Navy Midshipmen men’s basketball team delivered a commanding 102-46 victory over Central Penn on Sunday, November 8, at Alumni Hall in Annapolis. Navy improved to 2-1 behind a balanced offensive performance featuring four double-digit scorers and a dominant defensive effort. Justin Nordin led the Midshipmen with 18 points, while Jinwoo Kim and Jordan Pennick contributed 15 apiece. The victory marked Navy’s second consecutive win and its first 100-point performance in nearly nine years.
Navy Takes Complete Control in First Half
Navy established control early before overwhelming Central Penn with a remarkable scoring run. After building a 14-10 advantage, the Midshipmen outscored the Knights 38-4 over the remainder of the opening half. Navy entered halftime holding a commanding 52-14 lead, effectively putting the game out of reach. The Midshipmen combined efficient offense with aggressive defense to create one of their most dominant halves of the young season.
Kim scored 12 first-half points, while Pennick added 11 to lead Navy’s early offensive surge. The Midshipmen shot 48.5% from the field during the opening 20 minutes and converted 15 of their 16 free-throw attempts. Navy also controlled the rebounding battle 27-9 before halftime. Central Penn managed just six field goals in the first half and missed all nine of its three-point attempts.
Justin Nordin Leads Balanced Offensive Attack
Nordin delivered an outstanding performance off Navy’s offensive execution, scoring a team-high 18 points in only 16 minutes. He connected on seven of nine field-goal attempts, including four of six shots from three-point range. His shooting helped Navy maintain its momentum throughout the second half. Nordin’s efficiency demonstrated the value of the Midshipmen’s offensive depth.
Kim and Pennick each finished with 15 points, providing consistent scoring throughout the contest. Sean Griffin contributed another 12 points as Navy placed four players in double figures. The Midshipmen distributed the basketball effectively, finishing with 23 assists against just nine turnovers. That assist-to-turnover ratio represented an encouraging development for a team incorporating several new contributors.
Navy’s Leading Performers
| Player | Points | Key statistic |
|---|---|---|
| Justin Nordin | 18 | 4 three-pointers |
| Jinwoo Kim | 15 | 5-for-5 free throws |
| Jordan Pennick | 15 | 5 field goals |
| Sean Griffin | 12 | 2 three-pointers |
| David Burnett | — | 9 rebounds |
| Jerry Ashley Jr. | — | 8 rebounds |
Defense and Rebounding Fuel Victory
Navy’s defensive performance proved just as impressive as its offensive production. The Midshipmen held Central Penn to 14 first-half points and limited the Knights to 24% shooting before halftime. Navy forced 10 first-half turnovers while committing only four of its own. The defensive pressure allowed the Midshipmen to generate additional scoring opportunities and establish complete control.
David Burnett collected nine rebounds, while Jerry Ashley Jr. added eight to strengthen Navy’s presence around the basket. Their work helped the Midshipmen dominate possession and limit Central Penn’s second-chance opportunities during the decisive opening half. Navy continued attacking offensively after halftime, scoring another 50 points. The Midshipmen shot 51.4% from the field during the final 20 minutes and connected on eight second-half three-pointers.
Navy Reaches 100 Points for First Time Since 2017
The 102-point performance represented a significant offensive milestone for the program. Navy had not reached triple digits since scoring 110 points against Washington College on November 22, 2017. Sunday’s victory ended that nearly nine-year stretch and provided evidence of the team’s scoring potential. The Midshipmen also demonstrated that they could produce substantial offense without relying on one player to dominate possession.
The performance came during an important early stretch under head coach Jon Perry. Navy opened the season with a difficult 91-39 loss at George Washington before defeating Delaware State in its home opener. The Central Penn victory gave the Midshipmen consecutive wins and a 2-1 record heading into another home matchup. Perry emphasized the team’s progress in ball movement, communication and defensive execution following Sunday’s win.
What’s Next for Navy Basketball?
Navy’s next scheduled challenge is against Penn in the 13th annual Veterans Classic on Wednesday, November 11, at Alumni Hall. The Midshipmen are scheduled to face the Quakers at 5:30 p.m. Saint Joseph’s and South Florida will meet in the tournament’s opening contest at 3 p.m. The event provides Navy with another opportunity to measure its progress against stronger competition.
The Midshipmen will look to carry their offensive rhythm and defensive intensity into that matchup. Penn should provide a more demanding test than Central Penn, particularly after Navy’s commanding performance Sunday. Maintaining efficient ball movement and protecting the basketball will remain important priorities. Navy enters the contest seeking its third consecutive victory.
MSB Take: Navy’s Offensive Balance Is an Encouraging Sign
Navy’s 56-point victory should provide confidence, but the quality of the opposition must remain part of the evaluation. Central Penn competes in the United States Collegiate Athletic Association, making this a different challenge from the Division I opponents Navy will encounter throughout its schedule. Nevertheless, the Midshipmen executed the fundamentals exceptionally well, particularly with their 23 assists and nine turnovers. Those numbers offer a more meaningful indication of progress than the final margin alone.
Nordin’s shooting performance was particularly encouraging because Navy needs dependable perimeter production. Kim and Pennick also showed they can contribute offensively without requiring excessive playing time. The emergence of multiple scoring options could make the Midshipmen more difficult to defend as the season progresses. Perry’s ability to develop that balance will become increasingly important when Patriot League competition begins.
The biggest takeaway from Sunday’s performance was Navy’s ability to control every phase of the game. The Midshipmen dominated the opening half, shared the basketball and maintained their intensity after building a substantial lead. Their next challenge will be translating that execution against stronger opponents. Wednesday’s Veterans Classic matchup against Penn should offer a clearer indication of how far this Navy team has progressed.
