WEST POINT, N.Y. (Interstat) — A tight Patriot League standings race brings renewed urgency to the rematch between Army and Holy Cross when the men’s basketball teams meet Saturday at Christl Arena.

The Black Knights (9-13, 3-6 Patriot) and visiting Crusaders (8-14, 3-6) are locked in the conference standings, each seeking a critical win to improve postseason positioning. Army enters with momentum from a 67-64 home victory over Lehigh on Wednesday, while Holy Cross looks to rebound from a 79-74 road loss at first-place Colgate the same night.

Holy Cross won the first meeting this season, 82-75 in Worcester on Jan. 14. Crusaders guard Tyler Boston was instrumental in that victory, scoring 20 points and dishing five assists. Boston remains the focal point, coming off a 20-point, five-assist performance at Colgate and averaging 17.1 points in conference play.

Army will counter with its own standout in guard Tate Laczkowski, who led the Black Knights with 17 points in the win over Lehigh. Consistency will be key for Laczkowski, who was held to four points in the loss at Holy Cross earlier this month.

Both teams have struggled for wins lately. Holy Cross has dropped three straight and six of its last seven. Army has won two of its last three but only three of its last ten.

Defensive execution will be pivotal. Holy Cross allows a league-worst 78.2 points per game in Patriot League play, while Army ranks seventh in scoring defense. The Crusaders’ ability to score, led by Boston, against Army’s defense will likely decide if the season series is split or swept.

Tipoff is set for 1 p.m. EST on Saturday, Jan. 31, at Christl Arena.