Game 29 · American (15-13, 11-6 PL) at Holy Cross (3-25, 2-15 PL)
Date/Time: Saturday, Feb. 29 - 2 p.m.
Site: Worcester, Mass. (Hart Center)
Series History: Tied, 22-22
TV: Patriot League Network
Talent: Kevin Gehl (pxp), Kevin Wells (color)

WASHINGTON - The second seed in the Patriot League tournament is fully in play for American University men's basketball, as a road game against Holy Cross on Saturday afternoon inside the Hart Center stands as the only obstacle. A win in the final regular-season game of the season clinches the second seed and home-court advantage through the semifinals of the PL tournament.

INSIDE THE SERIES

• American has emerged victorious in the last three matchups between the two programs.
• The Eagles had their best shooting performance of the season in an 81-69 win in D.C. last month.
• Sa'eed Nelson scored 21 points and Mark Gasperini chipped in with 13 points and five boards in last month's game.

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT AMERICAN

• The Eagles are coming off one of their most complete performances of the season in a 79-59 victory over Lafayette on Wednesday.
• Needing two points to break American's all-time scoring record on Wednesday, Sa'eed Nelson poured in 30, extending his streak of 20-point games to six, the longest such streak in his career. Sa'eed broke a 39-year-old record held by Russell "Boo" Bowers. 
• Sa'eed is the only active NCAA D-I men's basketball player, and the first in Patriot League history, to have 2,000 career points, 500 career rebounds, and 500 career assists.
• The Eagles shot the lights out at 57.9 percent and forced 18 Lafayette turnovers, scoring 27 points off the mistakes.
• A win for the Eagles on Saturday, or a loss by Boston University, clinches the No. 2 seed in the Patriot League tournament and home-court advantage through the semifinals.
• Jamir Harris currently ranks first in single-season free-throw percentage in AU history (93.0).
• The Eagles are among the PL leaders in several categories, including steals (1st, 7.7/game), turnover margin (2nd, +1.04), blocks (3rd, 3.5/game), and scoring (71.4 ppg). 

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT HOLY CROSS

• Holy Cross has struggled this season, dropping 10 straight games, including a narrow 67-61 defeat to Army West Point on Wednesday night. 
• The Crusaders are led by eight-time PL rookie of the week, Joe Pridgen. He put up 21 points and 10 rebounds against the Black Knights for his second double-double of the season.
• Pridgen ranks fourth in the league by averaging 17.5 ppg and also grabs 6.8 rpg.
• In the first matchup this season, AU was able to pull away late to win, 81-69.

PATRIOT LEAGUE TOURNAMENT QUARTERFINALS IN BENDER ARENA

• American will enter the Patriot League Tournament as either the No. 2 or 3 seed, and will host a Quarterfinal Round game in Bender Arena on Thursday, March 5 at 7 p.m.

PL QUARTERFINAL TICKET INFO

• Ticket prices for the quarterfinal game, set by the Patriot League, are $14 for adults and $7 for seniors (65+) and youth (under 13).
• Rates for groups with 10+ are $5 per person and must be purchased in advance through the box office.  AU students with valid AU ID will be admitted free of charge.
• Tickets are now on sale via AUeagles.com/Tickets. Fans can also visit the Athletics Ticket Office in person, or call (202) 885-TIXX (8499) Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to secure their seats.

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).