FORT MOORE, Ga. –
The last day of play at the Armed Forces Basketball Championship takes place Thursday with Army and Air Force women vying for the women’s championship, while Air Force and Navy men tangle for the men’s championship.
In the final day of round-robin competition on Wednesday, Marine Corps men defeated Navy in the first game of the day, 81-45.
Capt. Brandon Mitchell, coach of the Marines, said his team tried to finish off the tournament in the right way.
“We had a tough showing this year, but we're having fun, and the guys are resilient,” Mitchell said.
Navy Coach Micah Bonner rested several of his men in preparation for Thursday’s game, and Assistant Coach Dennis Murphy, a petty officer 1st class stationed at Naval Base San Diego, took the reins as game coach.
“I wanted to allow him to grow,” Mitchell said. “He's a four-time player here for All-Navy.”
In the first women’s game of the day, Navy defeated the Marine Corps, 72-69.
The second men’s game of the day saw Air Force defeat Army, 83-51.
Air Force women defeated Army 61-49 in the final game of double round-robin play.
On Thursday, the first consolation game features Navy women (1-5) versus the Marine Corps (1-5). The men’s consolation game has Marine Corps men (2-4) versus Army (3-3).
The Armed Forces Gold Medal Women Championship will have Army (4-2) playing Air Force (6-0).
The Armed Forces Gold Medal Men Championship features Air Force (3-3) versus Navy (4-2).