Lehigh v Army

Bethlehem, PA - December 31, 2025: The Lehigh University men’s basketball team dropped their Patriot League opener to Army West Point 85-78 in overtime Wednesday afternoon at Stabler Arena.

Army held a slight lead for most of the first half, in part due to a 5-point run by sophomore point guard Kevin McCarthy (West Chester, PA). Lehigh battled back from small deficits throughout the half to keep the game close. At the half, Army led 33-31. Army hit 3 of 9 from the 3-point line while Lehigh struggled, making only 4 of 14 in the first half.

Lehigh took their first lead of the game (36-35) four minutes into the second half when Hank Alvey converted a dunk after a nifty pick and roll. Lehigh played better defense in the second half, forcing Army to commit multiple turnovers which gave the Mountain Hawks opportunities to go ahead. Lehigh also hit 2 of 5 from the the 3-point line.

It was Army’s rebounding that proved to be the difference down the stretch. Army out-rebounded Lehigh in the game 46 to 26. Army was able to have second and third attempts, converting those second and third chances into 17 total points.

Lehigh was able to go ahead by four (67-63) with under two minutes to play in regulation when Edouard Benoit hit a 3-point basket. Foul trouble then became an issue for Lehigh as Joshua Ingram fouled out of the game with 1:23 left in regulation. A minute later, Edouard Benoit fouled out of the game for Lehigh.

Lehigh’s Jalen Vazquez was only able to convert one of two free throws after he was fouled going in for a layup. Army’s Tate Laczkowski converted the next four points for the Cadets to tie the game. Lehigh had a chance to win it with under thirty seconds left but Nasir Whitlock missed a jumper in the paint.

In overtime, Lehigh suffered another player loss due to foul trouble when Vazquez had to leave the game a couple minutes into the period. Lehigh’s Peter Kramer then committed his fifth foul and had to leave with about a minute to play in overtime.

In overtime, Army was able to convert a couple layups, hit a clutch 3-point basket, and convert their free throws to secure the win.

Hank Alvery led Lehigh with 21 points and 6 rebounds. Whitlock added 18 for the Mountain Hawks. Ryan Curry led Army with 19 points and 14 rebounds.

Lehigh will next be in action at Bucknell University on Saturday, January 3, 2026.

Lehigh University's Hank Alvey (35) takes a jump shot against Army West Point on December 31, 2025 at Stabler Arena in Bethlehem, PA. Alvey led his team with 21 points and 6 rebounds in a 85-78 loss.