HAMILTON, N.Y. (Interstat) — A pair of Patriot League teams heading in opposite directions will meet Wednesday night when the Colgate Raiders host the Holy Cross Crusaders at Cotterell Court.

Colgate (12-9) enters on a surge, having won five of its last seven games, including a dramatic 80-79 overtime victory over Boston University last Saturday. The Raiders’ success is fueled by guard Jalen Cox, who is averaging 21.4 points over his last five contests. He poured in 23 points and dished five assists in the win over BU, showcasing the form that makes him the league’s most dynamic scorer.

Holy Cross (8-13) looks to halt a three-game skid, most recently a 76-67 home loss to American. The Crusaders have struggled on the road this season, dropping their last three away contests by an average of 18 points. They will lean on guard Joe Nugent, who has been a consistent bright spot, scoring in double figures in nine straight games and averaging 15.2 points during that stretch.

The Raiders won the first meeting between these teams last season, 81-71. Colgate’s balanced attack, which features Sam Wright (22 points vs. BU) and Kyle Carlesimo, will test a Holy Cross defense allowing 74.3 points per game in league play.

For Holy Cross, support for Nugent must come from backcourt mate Gabe Warren and forward Aiden Disu, who combined for 23 points in the loss to American. The Crusaders need to improve their ball security and find early offense to keep pace with a high-scoring Colgate squad averaging 78.6 points in Patriot League games.

Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. EST. The Raiders currently sit in the upper tier of the conference standings, while the Crusaders are searching for momentum as the league schedule nears its midpoint.