It will be a battle between Pat opponents when the American University Eagles (11-9, 5-4 Pat) welcome the Holy Cross Crusaders (12-10, 3-6 Pat) to Bender Arena. The game is scheduled to get underway at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 2, 2019.
Holy Cross Crusaders at American University Eagles Free Prediction
In the Crusaders’ last game, they were topped by the Boston University Terriers, 68-54. Boston University’s rebounding was their biggest strength. The Terriers had more offensive rebounds (12 vs. three), defensive rebounds (30 vs. 15) and total rebounds (42 vs. 18). Austin Butler was the game’s high scorer with 22 points on 7-for-17 shooting.
The Eagles defeated the Loyola Maryland Greyhounds in their last matchup, 74-68. The Eagles knocked down 20 of their 27 free throws (74.1 percent) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.563 (above their season average of 0.526). Mark Gasperini was American University’s leading scorer with 21 points on 10-for-13 shooting from the field.
It could be a mistake-prone game for the American University offense. American University ranks 173rd in the NCAA in ball protection (turnover percentage of 18.9 percent), while the ball-hawking defense of Holy Cross forces the 55th-most turnovers in the country (21.8 percent).
After the Crusaders won both contests against the Eagles last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the last game, Holy Cross won 70-64. The Crusaders knocked down 16 of their 20 free throws (80.0 percent) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (29.2 vs. 18.8).
Holy Cross Crusaders at American University Eagles ATS Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – American University, ATS Winner – American University, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
American University ranks sixth in three pointers allowed per game (17.3) while Holy Cross ranks 156th (22.9).
The Crusaders rank 22nd in assists per game (16.8) while the Eagles rank 167th (12.9).
American University ranks 219th in rebounds per game (33.9) while Holy Cross ranks 290th (27.8).
The Eagles rank 48th in steals per game (7.7) while the Crusaders rank 70th (7.2).
Holy Cross ranks 63rd in blocks per game (4.0) while American University ranks 85th in blocks allowed per game (3.3).
Bettings Trends:
The Crusaders’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 9.0, up from 0.8 for the season.
During their last five games, the Eagles have scored an average of 59.8 points per game (8.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 57.2 points per game (7.8 below their season average).
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