ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- Tilman Dunbar scored a career-high 28 points, including four of six free throws in the final 34 seconds, as Navy held off a late surge from The Citadel 79-74.

Dunbar, averaging 10 points per game, went off for 7 of 12 from the field, 14 of 17 from the free throw line and had eight rebounds -- all career highs -- as Navy (5-3) won its third-straight and fifth in the last six games.

Citadel had jumped ahead early until Navy's Word Smith scored four straight baskets (wrapped around one by Dunbar) to put the Midshipmen ahead 10-4 in less than two minutes. Smith scored 15 of his 17 points in the first half.

The Bulldogs (3-7) closed to within four points late when Marshall Harris III (season-high 19 points, all after halftime) hit three free throws and layup to get to 76-72 with 18 seconds left.