NEW YORK -- Jean Prioleau scored 25 points and Fred Herzog added 23 points and 17 rebounds, as Fordham sent Navy down to its sixth straight defeat, 81-75, in Patriot League action yesterday at Rose Hill Gymnasium in the Bronx.

Navy was called for 26 fouls, and Fordham, 14. The disparity resulted in the Rams converting 29 of 39 free throws, to six of 11 for the visitors. "It's awfully tough to win when they shoot 39 free throws and we only shoot 11," said Navy coach Pete Herrmann.

The Midshipmen were led by three freshmen -- Derrick Wall, 18 points; Mark Majick, 17; and Brian Cochran, a career-high 13.

"I was happy with our improvement," said Herrmann. "I thought our young players played well."

Navy led by as many as seven points in the first half before the Rams rallied to go up by 43-41 at the half. From a tie at 51, Fordham went on a 13-3 run, behind nine points from Prioleau. The Midshipmen put on a burst of their own, outscoring Fordham by 11-4 and closing to 66-63 on a three-point goal by Majick with 7 minutes, 26 seconds left.

Twice, Navy got within two, at 73-71 with 3:17 left on another Majick three-pointer, and at 75-73 with 1:26 left on a four-foot bank shot by Wall.

L Fordham got its last points at the foul line, going 6-for-6.

"Although we are in last place in the league we don't feel like we are the last-place team," said Herrmann. "We need to build on this game for the second half of the season.