Ed DeChellis has preached defense as the foundation of Navy men’s basketball since taking over as head coach in 2011.
It seems the Midshipmen have forgotten that mandate over the last month or so.
Defense has become an issue for Navy, which plays its Patriot League home opener on Tuesday night against Lehigh. DeChellis has devoted considerable practice time to improving the defense in the wake of Friday night’s 72-63 loss at Loyola.
The Midshipmen allowed the Greyhounds to shoot 60 percent from the field and gave up 38 points in the paint. DeChellis was particularly displeased with the team’s perimeter defense that allowed Loyola guards Andre Walker, Chuck Champion and Isaiah Hart to combine for 51 points.