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Holy Cross Crusaders – Army Black Knights Preview – 02.17.2016

Patriot League foes will lock horns when the Army Black Knights (15-11) face the Holy Cross Crusaders (10-15) at Christl Arena. Action begins at 7:00 pm ET on Wednesday, Feb. 17.

The Black Knights enter this game hoping for similar success after topping American 65-59 on Saturday. Kevin Ferguson was a key piece, recording his eighth double-double of the season with 20 points and 14 rebounds. The Crusaders, meanwhile, are feeling some disappointment after their 64-59 loss against Lehigh on Monday. Robert Champion had a game-high 25 points.

Over the last five games, Ferguson has taken his game to another level for the Black Knights, averaging 16.4 points, 11.4 rebounds, 1.0 steal, and 1.4 blocks.

It will be a showdown of conflicting tempos, as the fast-paced Black Knights (ranked 23rd in the nation in possessions per game) will look to push the slow-paced Crusaders (324th in possessions per game).

This is the second game of the season between these two teams, with the Crusaders winning the first matchup 69-65. Malachi Alexander had a stellar game with 20 points, six rebounds, one assist, three steals, and one three-pointer.

Notes

On average, Army has 73.8 possessions per game and scores 1.071 points on each possession. Holy Cross has both fewer possessions (65.6) and scores fewer points during those possessions (.987).

The Army Black Knights average an effective field goal percentage of 50.7% this season. The Holy Cross Crusaders have a losing record of 4-10 when opponents have an eFG% of 50.7% or greater.

On average, the Army Black Knights attempt 27.0 three point field goals per game and the Holy Cross Crusaders attempt 21.0. In games where they attempt at least 20 threes, Army is an even 11-11, while Holy Cross has an underachieving record of 5-11.

Holy Cross ranks 94th in the nation with an assist-to-turnover ratio of 1.18. Army is ranked lower at 111th with an A/TO of 1.16.

Army ranks 48th in offensive rebounding. Holy Cross ranks 338th in defensive rebounding.

The Army Black Knights average 5.3 steals per game. When giving up 5 or more steals, the Holy Cross Crusaders have a poor record (5-10) this season.

Written by GMS Previews

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