|
1st |
2nd |
Final |
| American |
45 |
41 |
86 |
| Holy Cross |
31 |
35 |
66 |
Final Statistics • Highlight Video
WORCESTER, Mass. – Senior forward Jehyve Floyd totaled 19 points, six blocked shots, five rebounds and five assists, but the Holy Cross men's basketball team was defeated by American 86-66 at the Hart Center at the Luth Athletic Complex. The Crusaders finish the regular season at to 15-16 overall and 6-12 in the Patriot League with the loss, while the Eagles now stand 15-14 on the year and 9-9 in the conference.
American hit 58.9 percent of its field goal attempts and 66.7 percent of its three-pointers on the day, while holding a 36-17 rebounding advantage. Holy Cross was able to connect on 49.1 percent of its shots from the floor, but only made 26.7 percent of its three-point attempts.
The Eagles opened the game with an early 7-4 lead, before the Crusaders scored nine straight points to pull in front by six (13-7). Holy Cross was later up 20-16 with 13:12 left in the first half, when American went on a 21-2 run to claim a commanding 15-point lead (37-22). The Eagles were eventually up 45-31 heading into the locker room at halftime.
American extended its advantage to 22 points early in the second half, and was still up by 18 (73-55) with 6:41 left to play. The Crusaders then used a 7-1 spurt to close to within 12 (74-62) with four minutes remaining, but would get no closer before the Eagles pulled away for a 20-point victory.
Sophomore guard Caleb Green finished the day with 15 points, three rebounds and two assists. Sophomore guard Jacob Grandison added 14 points and three assists, while sophomore guard Austin Butler posted 10 points, four assists, two rebounds and two steals. American was led by Sa'eed Nelson with 21 points, eight rebounds and seven assists.
The Crusaders will return to action on Tuesday, March 5, with a road game in the opening round of the Patriot League Tournament.
BEYOND THE BOX SCORE:
• Floyd made eight of 14 shots on the day and became the Patriot League's all-time leader in career field goal percentage at 65.9 percent (402 of 610).
• Prior to tip-off, six senior members of the Holy Cross basketball program who will be concluding their collegiate careers at the end of the 2018-2019 season were honored in a pregame ceremony.
• Floyd, senior guard Patrick Benzan, senior guard Marcellis Perkins and senior guard Matt Zignorski were recognized, along with team managers Darren Belliveau and Joe Forlenza.
