WORCESTER, Mass. – Freshman guard Kyrell Luc totaled 15 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals, but the Holy Cross men's basketball team was defeated by American 60-54 at the Hart Center at the Luth Athletic Complex. The Crusaders fall to 8-17 overall and 6-7 in the Patriot League, while the Eagles improve to 7-18 on the season and 3-10 in the conference.

Holy Cross made just 36.4 percent of its field goal attempts and 28.6 percent of its three-pointers on the night, while committing 14 turnovers. American connected on 39.6 percent of its shots from the floor in addition to holding a 26-13 advantage in free throw attempts.

The game was close early on, with the Crusaders holding a 6-4 lead after the first five minutes of play. The Eagles then scored 14 straight points to take a 12-point advantage (18-6) with seven minutes left before the break. American eventually took a 26-14 advantage into the locker room at halftime. 

The Eagles were still up by 12 (30-18) with 17 minutes remaining, when Holy Cross used an 11-2 spurt to get back into the game. The Crusaders would briefly pull in front (38-37) following a three-pointer by sophomore guard Bo Montgomery with 7:32 left to play, and the score was later tied at 40-40 with 6:46 remaining. American then went on an 11-4 spurt to reclaim the lead, and went on to hold a 54-48 advantage with two minutes left. Luc hit a three-pointer to make it a three-point game (54-51) with 1:46 to go, but the Eagles would hit six of eight free throw attempts in the final minute to pull out the win.

Senior forward Gerrale Gates finished the game with 14 points and eight rebounds, while Montgomery added 11 points, four rebounds and two assists. Matt Rogers led American with 20 points and eight rebounds.

The Crusaders will return to action on Wednesday, Feb. 16, when they play host to Boston University at 7:00 p.m.