WEST POINT, N.Y. – Freshman forward Joe Pridgen posted his second career double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds, but the Holy Cross men's basketball team was defeated by Army West Point 67-61 at Christl Arena. The Crusaders fall to to 3-27 on the season and 2-15 in the Patriot League with the loss, while the Black Knights improve to 15-13 overall and 10-7 in the conference.

Holy Cross was only able to connect on 40.0 percent of its field goal attempts and 30.4 percent of its three-pointers on the night. Army hit 45.2 percent of its shots from the floor, while holding a 15-3 advantage in free throw attempts.

The Crusaders started the game hot, jumping out to a quick 6-2 lead. Holy Cross was later up 18-14 with nine minutes left in the first half, when the Black Knights used an 8-2 spurt to claim the lead. Army west on to take a 31-28 advantage into the locker room at halftime.

Holy Cross pulled back in front early the second half, outscoring the Black Knights 17-7 over the first seven minutes to take a seven-point lead (45-38). But Army responded with a 16-4 run of its own to reclaim the lead. It was still a two-point game (58-56) with 5:47 left to play, but the Crusaders would hit just two of 10 shots the rest of the way as the Black Knights held on for the win.

Junior guard Austin Butler finished the game with 17 points, eight rebounds and three assists, while freshman guard Ryan Wade added 10 points. Army was led by Tommy Funk with 22 points, seven assists and six rebounds. 

Holy Cross returns to action on Saturday, Feb. 29, when it closes out the regular season with a home game against American at 2:00 p.m.

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