WORCESTER, Mass. (Interstat) — The American Eagles built a large first-half lead and withstood a second-half surge to defeat the Holy Cross Crusaders 76-67 in a Patriot League men’s basketball game Saturday at Hart Recreation Center.

American led 41-27 at halftime after shooting 50.9% from the floor and held a 44-22 advantage in points in the paint. Holy Cross outscored American 40-35 after intermission but could not overcome the early deficit.

Madden Collins led American with 20 points. Joe Nugent scored 18 points for Holy Cross. The Eagles improved to 13-8, while the Crusaders fell to 8-13. Attendance was 1,026.