WORCESTER, Mass. – Senior guard Austin Butler totaled 16 points and nine rebounds, but the Holy Cross men's basketball team was defeated by Army West Point 83-68 at the Hart Center at the Luth Athletic Complex. The Crusaders fall to 1-2 overall and 1-2 in the Patriot League with the loss, while the Black Knights improve to 6-2 overall and 2-1 in the conference. 

Holy Cross made 46.3 percent of its field goal attempts and 37.9 percent of its three-pointers on the day, but was unable to overcome 22 turnovers. Army connected on 50.0 percent of its shots from the floor and 31.8 percent of its attempts from three-point range, while giving the ball away just 12 times.

The Crusaders started the game hot, jumping out to a quick 13-6 lead after the first four minutes of play. Holy Cross was later up by six (29-23) with six minutes left before the break, when the Black Knights went on a 15-3 to pull in front (38-32). Army eventually took a 45-38 edge into the locker room at halftime.

The Black Knights held onto a small lead early in the second half, and the score was 57-52 with 12 minutes left to play. Army then used a 14-3 run to put the game away, eventually claiming a 15-point victory (83-68).

Sophomore guard Ryan Wade finished the afternoon with 14 points and three rebounds, while junior forward Gerrale Gates totaled 13 points, eight rebounds and four assists. Senior forward Matt Faw added 10 points and six boards, and freshman guard R.J. Johnson tallied nine points and eight assists. Army was led by Josh Caldwell with 20 points.

Holy Cross returns to action tomorrow, Jan. 10, when it faces the Black Knights at West Point at 3:00 p.m.