The Holy Cross Crusaders (12-10, 3-6 Pat) will be at Bender Arena to square off against the American University Eagles (11-9, 5-4 Pat) in a Pat matchup. The game gets underway at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 2, 2019.
Holy Cross Crusaders vs. American University Eagles Betting Odds
In their last matchup, the Eagles were victorious over the Loyola Maryland Greyhounds, 74-68, while the Crusaders were beaten by the Boston University Terriers, 68-54.
American University dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had an absurd free throw rate of 0.417 (above their season average of 0.274) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.563 (above their season average of 0.526). Loyola Maryland was 0.346 and 0.481, respectively, for those same stats. Holy Cross, meanwhile, did a great job of converting from the charity stripe (8-10; 80.0 percent). Mark Gasperini had a solid performance for American University, recording 21 points and five rebounds. Holy Cross, meanwhile, was lifted by Austin Butler, who contributed 22 points.
The Crusaders dominated this series last year, winning both games. In the last game, Holy Cross won 70-64. One of Holy Cross’ largest strengths was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 16-20 (80.0 percent), while the Eagles were just 7-9 (77.8 percent). This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
It could be an error-filled game for the American University offense. American University ranks 173rd in the country in ball protection (turnover percentage of 18.9 percent), while the gambling defense of Holy Cross forces the 55th-most turnovers in the country (21.8 percent).
Holy Cross at American University Free Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – American University, ATS Winner – American University, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- American University ranks sixth in three pointers allowed per game (17.3) while Holy Cross ranks 156th (22.9).
- The Eagles rank 48th in steals per game (7.7) while the Crusaders rank 70th (7.2).
- Holy Cross averages 4.0 blocks per game, which is ranked 63rd in the nation. American University ranks 85th in blocks allowed per game (3.3).
- The Crusaders rank 22nd in assists per game (16.8) while the Eagles rank 167th (12.9).
- American University ranks 219th in rebounds per game (33.9) while Holy Cross ranks 290th (27.8).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Crusaders have scored an average of 64.6 points per game (3.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 73.6 points per game (4.6 above their season average).
- The Eagles’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 2.6, down from 3.5 for the season.
