WASHINGTON -- In a preview of what could possibly be the Patriot League Championship game matchup, Holy Cross ran past regular-season champion American, 68-44, here in front of a season-high 3,691 on Saturday afternoon.
Holy Cross (15-14, 9-5 PL) did everything right this afternoon as it jumped out to a quick 11-2 advantage after just four minutes, 30 seconds, and never looked back. The Crusaders held American (16-11, 10-4 PL) to just two points for the opening 12 minutes of the contest, before Steven Miles converted a layup with 8:17 remaining the period.
American shot just 28.6 percent from the field in the opening period, while turning the ball over 11 times. The Crusaders margin grew to as many as 18 points in period before American made a late run, cutting the lead to 13 heading into the half.
The Eagles came charging out of the lockerroom, and looked as if they were going to take control of the game. American scored 16 of the first 21 points in the second half, and got within two at 34-32 with 13:01 to play. Miles led the charge with two three-pointers, while two dunks by Patrick Doctor brought the crowd to its feet.
Holy Cross had all the answers though, as it responded with a quick 10-2 run that grew the lead back to 10 points, and took all of the momentum from American. The Crusaders pounded the ball inside to league Preseason Player of the Year Tim Szatko. He followed a solid first half of 13 points with a more dominant 15 in the second. For the game, Szatko finished 12-of-15 from the field, while adding five rebounds and three assists.
Ryan Serravalle finished with 16 points for Holy Cross, including three three's, and Jave Meade added 10 points, a game-high six assists and four steals.
Miles led American with 16 points on four three-pointers, and Doctor netted 10. The Eagles, playing their final regular-season home game, started seniors Doctor, Vladimir Buscaglia, Joe Casper, Keith Gray, and Brian Williams.
American now looks to the Patriot League Tournament, hosted at Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro, Md., March 1-3. The Eagles will be the No. 1 seed in the eight-team field, and will face No. 8 Lehigh in the quarterfinals on Saturday, March 2, at 12:00 p.m.
