WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senior forward Gerrale Gates posted a double-double with 18 points and 13 rebounds, but the Holy Cross men's basketball team was defeated by American 67-49 at Bender Arena. The Crusaders fall to 3-15 overall and 1-5 in the Patriot League, while the Eagles improve to 6-13 on the season and 2-5 in the conference.

Holy Cross held a 36-32 rebounding advantage on the night, but made just 34.5 percent of its field goal attempts and 14.3 percent of its three-pointers. American connected on 51.0 percent of its shots from the floor and 75.0 percent of its attempts at the free throw line.

The Crusaders opened the game by jumping out to an early 8-4 edge after the first 4:17 of play. The Eagles responded by scoring the next 14 points to claim a 10-point advantage (18-8). American would lead by at least six points for the remainder of the half, eventually taking a 29-20 advantage into the locker room.

After the Eagles increased their lead to 11 points (39-28) early in the second half, Holy Cross scored six straight points to close to within five (39-34) with 14:30 left to play. But American responded with a 13-2 spurt to go up by 16, and would lead by at least 12 points for the rest of the game.

Freshman guard Kyrell Luc finished the night with eight points and seven rebounds, while freshman forward Caleb Kenney added six points, three rebounds and two blocks. The Eagles were led by Josh Alexander with 16 points, five rebounds and four assists.

Holy Cross is scheduled to return to action on Saturday, Jan. 29, when it will play host to Lehigh at 2:00 p.m.

BEYOND THE BOX SCORE:
• Gates' double-double was his third in the last four games and his seventh overall this season.
• Luc tied his career high by grabbing seven rebounds.
• Gates' 13 rebounds were just one short of his career high.