ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- John Schoof and Darius Gardner scored 15 points each, leading American University past Navy 64-55 on Wednesday night and securing the second seed for the Eagles in next week's Patriot League tournament.

The Eagles (17-11, 13-4) knocked down 10 of 24 3-pointers as they wrested the lead from the Midshipmen (9-19, 4-13) in the second half of a close contest that saw four ties and eight lead changes.

The Eagles compiled 15 assists, nearly twice Navy's eight, and Gardner and Schoof had four each. With American leading 27-26 at the break, Gardner drained a 3-pointer to open the second half.

But Navy put together a 7-0 run to lead 35-33 on a jumper by Brandon Venturini, who led Navy with 18 points and five assists. Worth Smith added 11 points and nine rebounds.

Two free throws by Schoof with 8:41 remaining boosted American ahead for keeps 43-42.