WEST POINT, N.Y. – Sophomore guard Will Batchelder scored a game-high 16 points, but the Holy Cross men's basketball team was defeated by Army West Point 70-57 at Christl Arena. The Crusaders fall to 3-12 overall and 0-2 in the Patriot League, while the Black Knights improve to 5-10 on the season and 1-1 in the conference.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:
• After Army scored the first five points of the game, Holy Cross went on a 10-4 run to pull in front (10-9).
• The Black Knights were able to go back in front by seven (23-16) later in the half, before the Crusaders trimmed the margin to four (23-19) at the break.
• Army maintained a small lead early in the second half, and was up 39-38 with 12:44 left to play.
• But the Black Knights then used a 10-2 spurt to push their edge up to nine points (49-40).
• Holy Cross would get no closer than five points the rest of the way, as Army hit 11 of 14 free throws in the final three minutes to pull away.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:
• The Crusaders made just 40.0 percent of their field goal attempts, 28.6 percent of their three-pointers and 50.0 percent of their fouls shots on the day.
• The Black Knights were able to connect on 44.4 percent of their shots from the floor and 82.4 percent of their free throws, while holding a 35-27 rebounding advantage.
• Junior forward Caleb Kenney finished the afternoon with 14 points and five rebounds.
• Freshman forward Joe Nugent added 11 points and four boards, while senior guard Joe Octave posted 10 points, seven rebounds and five assists.
• T.J. Small led Army with 15 points and six rebounds. 
 
UP NEXT:
• The Crusaders will return to action on Wednesday, Jan. 10, when they play host to Navy at 7 p.m.

BE PART OF THE ACTION:
• Tickets to see the Crusaders in action can be purchased online at GoHolyCross.com/tickets or by calling or texting 1-844-GOCROSS.

FOLLOW THE CRUSADERS:
Be sure to follow the Holy Cross men's basketball team — and all things Crusader Athletics — on social media!
Twitter - @HCrossMBB | @goholycross
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