Avworo’s go-ahead layup helps Navy surge past Bucknell 69-67 in the Patriot League opener

Avworo’s layup lifts Navy past Bucknell 69-67

LEWISBURG, Pa. — O.J. Avworo made a go-ahead layup with 1:02 left to lift Navy to a 69-67 win over Bucknell on Saturday night in the Patriot League opener for both teams.

A turnover by Bucknell’s Darryl Shazier and Bryson Johnson’s 3-point missed helped preserve the victory for the Midshipmen (7-9).

Harris led Navy with 15 points. Romeo Garcia, Jeremy Wilson and Greg Brown each finished with 10 points.

The Bison (5-12) held a 67-66 lead with 1:25 to play on Johnson’s 3. But Avworo, who finished with four points on 2 of 8 shooting, drove down the left side of the lane and flipped in a tough shot off the glass for the go-ahead score.

Bucknell’s Chris Harris hit a free throw with 3 seconds left for the final margin.

Johnson scored a game-high 18 points for Bucknell. Mike Muscala had 16 points, eight rebounds and seven blocked shots. Patrick Behan finished with 10 points.