Eagles, Crusaders Set for Patriot League Rematch

WORCESTER, Mass. (Interstat) — A swift rematch with potential seeding implications highlights the Patriot League schedule Saturday as the American Eagles visit the Holy Cross Crusaders at the Hart Recreation Center.

The teams met just two weeks prior, with Holy Cross securing an 84-73 road victory on Jan. 10. That result is part of diverging paths in conference play. American (12-8) enters with momentum, having won three straight, including a 70-66 home victory over Colgate on Wednesday. Holy Cross (8-12) looks to halt a two-game skid after an 85-68 loss at Navy that same night.

American’s recent surge has been fueled by guard Madden Collins. He scored 26 points with eight rebounds in the first meeting against Holy Cross and is coming off a 14-point, 8-rebound performance in a win at Army on Jan. 18. In Wednesday’s win over Colgate, Collins added 12 points and four assists.

Holy Cross will counter with guard Aiden Disu, who led the Crusaders with 18 points in the loss at Navy. Disu was limited to 12 minutes and four points in the Jan. 10 win at American, indicating his increased involvement could be a key factor in the rematch.

The Eagles have shown resilience on the road this season, with notable conference wins at Army and Boston University. The Crusaders have struggled for consistency but have protected their home court against league foes Army and Bucknell this season.

A win would bolster American’s position near the top of the Patriot League standings, while Holy Cross aims to level its conference record and sweep the season series. The Crusaders’ victory earlier this month snapped a three-game losing streak in the head-to-head series.

Following this game, American travels to face Loyola Maryland on Jan. 28. Holy Cross begins a two-game road trip at Colgate on the same date.