Holy Cross Crusaders (10-22) vs. Colgate Raiders (22-9)
March 7, 2024 7:00 pm EDT
The Line: Colgate Raiders -18.5; Over/Under: +142.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Holy Cross Crusaders will play the Colgate Raiders in the Quarterfinals of the Patriot League Tournament on Thursday night at Cotterell Court in Hamilton, New York. Let’s take a look at the Holy Cross preview, Colgate preview, betting matchup, and the Holy Cross vs Colgate prediction.
Holy Cross Preview
The Holy Cross Crusaders are 10-22 (6-12) this year after they defeated Army by a score of 84-68 in their last game. Holy Cross led 36-27 at halftime and added 48 points in the second half for the win. The Crusaders shot 52.9% from the field and made 12 three pointers in the game. Holy Cross lost to Boston University, Colgate, and Navy in the three games prior to Army. The Crusaders are scoring 66.7 points per game with 32.8 rebounds per game and 11.1 assists per game, while allowing 74.4 points against per game this year. Joe Octave is averaging 14.4 points per game, 5.9 rebounds per game, and 1.8 assists per game. Holy Cross is shooting 43.8% from the field, 66.2% on free throws, and 35.6% on three pointers this season.
Colgate Preview
The Colgate Raiders are 22-9 (16-2) this season after they defeated Lehigh by a score of 63-60 in their last game. Colgate led 35-25 at halftime, but only managed 28 points in the second half in the narrow win. The Raiders shot 49% from the field and were +11 in rebounding margin in the game. Colgate has won 14 of their last 15 games, with the one loss coming against American at home. The Raiders are scoring 71.2 points per game with 36 rebounds per game and 15.2 assists per game, while giving up 63.4 points against per game this season. Braeden Smith is averaging 12.2 points per game, 5.2 rebounds per game, and 5.8 assists per game. Colgate is shooting 46.6% from the field, 68.7% on free throws, and 36.9% on three pointers this year.
Holy Cross vs Colgate Betting Prediction
Colgate comes into the Patriot League Tournament as the #1 seed, as they dominated the league all season long and won by six games. The Raiders are a very good defensive team and they are only allowing 63.4 points against per game this year. Holy Cross defeated Army in the first round of the tournament, but they only went 6-12 in conference play this season. Colgate won the first two meetings against Holy Cross by scores of 77-58 and 85-55. I don’t think Holy Cross’ defense is up to the task of shutting down Colgate and I expect the Raiders to run away with this game.
