Who's Playing

American @ Holy Cross

Regular Season Records: American 9-21; Holy Cross 9-22

What to Know

The Holy Cross Crusaders haven't won a game against the American Eagles since Feb. 21 of 2018, but they'll be looking to end the drought Tuesday. Holy Cross and American are set to clash at 7 p.m. ET March 1 at Hart Recreation Center in the first round of the Patriot League Conference Tourney. The Crusaders are the slight favorite, but fans of both teams should be in for an exciting matchup likely to go down to the wire.

Holy Cross came up short against the Army West Point Black Knights this past Saturday, falling 66-58. One thing holding Holy Cross back was the mediocre play of guard Kyrell Luc, who did not have his best game: he played for 28 minutes with 3-for-13 shooting.

Meanwhile, the Loyola-Maryland Greyhounds typically have all the answers at home, but this past Saturday American proved too difficult a challenge. The Eagles took their contest against the Greyhounds 65-55. American can attribute much of their success to guard Stacy Beckton Jr., who had 22 points in addition to six boards, and forward Johnny O'Neil, who had 17 points along with eight rebounds and three blocks.

Two defensive numbers to keep in mind before tip-off: The Crusaders have allowed their opponents to shoot 46.20% from the floor on average, which is the 28th highest shooting percentage allowed in college basketball. Americans have had an even harder time: they have allowed their opponents to shoot 47.60% from the floor on average, which is the second highest shooting percentage allowed in college basketball. The good news? The teams might be seeing more of their shots fall.

How To Watch

  • When: Tuesday at 7 p.m. ET
  • Where: Hart Recreation Center -- Worcester, Massachusetts
  • TV: ESPN Plus
  • Follow: CBS Sports App

Odds

The Crusaders are a slight 2-point favorite against the Eagles, according to the latest college basketball odds.

The oddsmakers were right in line with the betting community on this one, as the game opened as a 2-point spread, and stayed right there.

Over/Under: -112

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Series History

American have won eight out of their last 12 games against Holy Cross.

  • Feb 14, 2022 - American 60 vs. Holy Cross 54
  • Jan 26, 2022 - American 67 vs. Holy Cross 49
  • Feb 29, 2020 - American 90 vs. Holy Cross 47
  • Jan 18, 2020 - American 81 vs. Holy Cross 69
  • Mar 02, 2019 - American 86 vs. Holy Cross 66
  • Feb 02, 2019 - American 66 vs. Holy Cross 49
  • Feb 21, 2018 - Holy Cross 70 vs. American 64
  • Jan 22, 2018 - Holy Cross 60 vs. American 57
  • Feb 19, 2017 - Holy Cross 69 vs. American 54
  • Jan 23, 2017 - Holy Cross 63 vs. American 55
  • Feb 21, 2016 - American 71 vs. Holy Cross 70
  • Feb 01, 2016 - American 58 vs. Holy Cross 45