Game 17 · American vs. Holy Cross

Date/Time: Saturday, Jan. 18 - 4 p.m.
Site: Washington, D.C. (Bender Arena)
Series History: Holy Cross leads, 22-21
TV: NBC Sports Washington + / Patriot League Network
Talent: Dan Laing (pxp), David Aldridge (color), and Penny Kmitt (sideline)

WASHINGTON - American University men's basketball is set to take on Holy Cross Saturday afternoon on NBC Sports Washington Plus fresh off a wild finish in a win over Bucknell on Wednesday night. 

INSIDE THE SERIES

• American swept Holy Cross last season by a combined total of 37 points.
• AU holds a 14-9 advantage in games played in Washington, D.C.
• In his career, Coach Brennan is 9-4 against the Crusaders, including seven straight wins to open his tenure.  

SCOUTING THE EAGLES

• The Eagles have won three of their last four games, including a heart-pounding last-second victory over Bucknell on Wednesday night. 
• Connor Nelson hit the game-winning three-pointer as time expired against the Bison. His shot reached No. 3 on SportsCenter's Top 10 Plays and is the second time a Nelson has had a game-winning buzzer-beater this season (Sa'eed against George Washington in November). 
• Mark Gasperini had a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds. It's the second time this season that an Eagle recorded a double-double as Sa'eed Nelson matched the feat earlier this month against Boston University. 
• Jamir Harris leads the Patriot League in free-throw percentage (94.9). He has also made 13 straight freebies since Jan. 5 against Boston U.
• Sa'eed Nelson leads the league in minutes played (35.4/game) and steals (2.73/game). His steals/game also rank fifth in D-I. 
• American ranks near the top of the Patriot League in 3-point FG% (3rd, 34.3), steals (1st, 7.6/game), and turnover margin (3rd,, +0.62).

SCOUTING THE CRUSADERS

• The Crusaders are 1-4 in Patriot League play with their lone win coming against Navy.
• Holy Cross was last in action on Thursday, dropping an emotional game to Army West Point, 79-67. 
• Joe Pridgen leads the offense by shooting 55.3% from the field with 15.5 ppg and 6.5 rpg. Austin Butler isn't far behind with 11.1 ppg and 6.8 rpg. 
• Brett Nelson is in his first season at the helm of the Holy Cross program. He comes to Massachusetts after spending the previous five seasons on the coaching staff at Marquette.

OTHER GAME NOTES

• The Eagles have used the same starting five (S. Nelson, Harris, Boonyasith, Beckton Jr., Gasperini) for 15 straight games. 
• When American's bench gets going, the results have been good. The Eagles are 5-2, including 3-0 in PL play, when their bench outscores the opponent.
• The Eagles are looking for their first win in a televised game this season. Saturday's game will be broadcasted on NBC Sports Washington Plus. 
• American is 4-2 in the friendly confines of Bender Arena this season, including 2-0 in PL play. 

RALLY IN THE ALLEY

• The first-ever "Rally in the Alley" is set to take place from 12:30 p.m to 3:30 p.m. in the tunnel in front of Bender Arena.
• There will be free food, free drinks, a chance to mingle with over 20 different clubs and organizations on campus, a live DJ, and a ton of giveaways brought to you by the AU Blue Crew.
• Since the Tunnel will be closed for this event, plan on entering campus through Rockwood Parkway to minimize traffic behind Bender Arena, especially between the hours of 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. That area will be primarily used by Facilities Management for snow removal/inclement weather treating of campus surfaces.

INDIVIDUAL GAME TICKET INFO

• The next home men's basketball game in Bender Arena will be Saturday, Jan. 18 at 4 p.m. vs. Holy Cross.
• Great seats are available for this and all remaining Patriot League basketball home games. 
• Secure your seats today by visiting AUeagles.com/Tickets or by calling (202) 885-TIXX (8499). 
• Group Tickets are available starting at just $5 each. 
• AU students are admitted free of charge to home basketball games with a valid AU ID.

KEEP UP WITH US

• For the latest on American University Men's Basketball, stay tuned to AUEagles.com and follow the team on Twitter (@AU_MBasketball), Facebook (AU.MBasketball) and Instagram (@au_mbasketball).