ANNAPOLIS, Md. (Interstat) — The Navy men’s basketball team looks to continue its winning momentum when it hosts struggling Coppin State on Friday night at Alumni Hall. The Midshipmen (6-5) enter the nonconference matchup having won three of their last four games, including a 61-56 victory over Air Force on Dec. 7. Navy has relied heavily on the backcourt leadership of junior guard Austin Benigni, who is averaging 21.3 points over his last four contests. He scored a season-high 25 points in 40 minutes against Air Force. Conversely, the Eagles (2-11) are mired in a difficult stretch, having lost eight of their last nine games. Their most recent outing was a 107-77 defeat at Radford on Dec. 14. Coppin State has faced a relentless road schedule, with this game marking its ninth true road contest of the season. A key matchup will feature the teams’ top guards. Benigni has been a model of consistency for Navy, logging heavy minutes and serving as the primary offensive catalyst. For Coppin State, sophomore guard Hassan Perkins has shown flashes of high production, including a 19-point, five-assist effort against Loyola Maryland and a 15-point game at Radford. His performance often serves as a barometer for the Eagles’ competitiveness. Navy has found success at home this season, posting a 5-1 record in Annapolis. Their defense has been pivotal, holding opponents to an average of 59.2 points in their five home wins. Coppin State, which averages 68.2 points per game, will need to solve that defensive pressure while improving its own defense; the Eagles have allowed 90 or more points in six of their 11 losses. This contest is the first of a quick two-game homestand for Navy, which hosts Rosemont on Sunday. Coppin State continues a brutal road swing, visiting Georgetown on Monday. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST Friday at Alumni Hall.