American University's strong first-half performance set the tone for their 76-67 victory over Holy Cross at the Hart Center. The Eagles, led by Madden Collins' 20 points and 5 rebounds, built a 14-point halftime lead and never looked back. Collins' impressive outing was complemented by Julen Iturbe's 15 points and 8 rebounds, as well as Greg Jones' 14 points.
Holy Cross, despite a valiant effort, couldn't overcome the deficit. Joe Nugent led the Crusaders with 18 points, while Aiden Disu and Gabe Warren chipped in with 12 and 11 points, respectively. Warren also grabbed 6 rebounds, but it wasn't enough to spark a comeback. The Crusaders trailed 41-27 at halftime and, although they outscored American 40-35 in the second half, the gap proved too large to bridge.
CHD Scout's pre-game prediction had American University winning by 3.6 points, but the Eagles surpassed that margin with a 9-point victory. The predicted score of 70-70 was also off the mark, as American's offense clicked into gear from the start. The Eagles' strong performance was a reflection of their cohesion and depth, with multiple players contributing to the win.
CHD Scout Report Card
CORRECTPredicted
Final
The game's outcome has real consequences for both teams' resumes. For American University, this win, although a Quadrant 4 game, helps to bolster their tournament chances. Their current net ranking of 229 will likely remain steady, but the victory demonstrates their ability to take care of business against lower-ranked opponents. On the other hand, Holy Cross, with a net ranking of 314, saw their already slim tournament hopes dwindle further. This Quadrant 4 loss won't help their cause, and they'll need to regroup and focus on their remaining schedule.
American University's victory serves as a confidence booster, particularly with Collins and Iturbe leading the charge. The duo's performance matters in the Eagles' upcoming games, as they seek to strengthen their tournament resume. With this win, American University improves to 13-8 on the season, while Holy Cross falls to 8-13. As the season enters its final stretch, the Eagles want to build on this momentum and make a push for a postseason berth. The outcome of this game may not have been surprising, but the manner in which American University dominated is a promising sign for their future prospects.