Holy Cross Crusaders Defeat Bucknell Bison 65-58
Wednesday, December 31, 2025, 2:00 PM ET · Hart Center Arena
Holy Cross Crusaders 65, Bucknell Bison 58, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Bucknell Bison vs Holy Cross Crusaders?
Holy Cross Crusaders beat Bucknell Bison 65-58 at Hart Center Arena on December 31, 2025.
Who was favored in Bucknell Bison vs Holy Cross Crusaders?
Bucknell Bison were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -135 (about 57% implied). The underdog won.
In a closely contested matchup at Hart Center Arena, the Holy Cross Crusaders secured a 65-58 victory over the Bucknell Bison. This win is significant for the Crusaders as they improve their home record to 4-2, while the Bison continue to struggle, now sitting at 3-12 on the season. The game showcased the resilience of Holy Cross, who had recently been on a two-game losing streak, while Bucknell has only managed to win once in their last ten games, now holding a record of 1-9 during that stretch.
The Crusaders entered this game with a mixed form, having gone 5-5 in their last ten outings, averaging 66.0 points scored per game while allowing 67.9. Their last five games saw them average 66.4 points scored and 69.0 points allowed. However, they faced a tough challenge in Bucknell, who have struggled significantly, averaging just 61.8 points scored and allowing a staggering 81.1 points in their last ten games. This disparity in scoring averages has been a hallmark of Bucknell's season, as they have only managed to secure one win in their last ten games, with their last victory occurring against Rider Broncs on December 10.
In terms of their overall performance at home and away, Holy Cross has shown a stronger presence at home with a 4-2 record compared to their 2-3 record on the road. Conversely, Bucknell has struggled both at home and away, holding a 0-4 record at home and a 1-5 record on the road. This has contributed to their inability to find consistency throughout the season.
Historically, this matchup has favored Bucknell, as they had won both previous meetings in the current season, including a narrow 86-82 victory on January 16 and a more decisive 94-81 win on March 1. However, the tables turned in this game, with Holy Cross claiming their first victory against Bucknell this season.
Injury concerns have also played a role in both teams' performances. While the block does not specify any injuries, it is common for teams to face challenges related to player availability, which can impact game outcomes. The conditions during the game were not detailed, but typically, factors such as crowd support at home or travel fatigue for the away team can influence performance.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Bucknell favored by 1.5 points, with a total set at 133.5. The odds reflected the expectations of a competitive game, but Holy Cross's performance defied those expectations as they managed to secure a solid win.
Key moments in the game included a series of scoring plays in the second half that helped Holy Cross maintain their lead. Notably, Jayden Williams of Bucknell made a 5-foot floating jump shot to bring the score to 60-53, but the Crusaders responded effectively, with Gabe Warren contributing crucial free throws that extended their lead. Aleksander Pachucki attempted to close the gap with a three-pointer, but it was not enough to overcome the Crusaders' advantage.
In conclusion, the Holy Cross Crusaders' victory over the Bucknell Bison highlights a turning point for the Crusaders as they look to build momentum moving forward. With this win, they have shown that they can compete effectively at home, while Bucknell will need to reassess their strategies as they continue to struggle in the season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | BUCK -1.5 | 133.5 o -115 / u -105 | Bucknell Bison -135 · Holy Cross Crusaders +114 |
Leaders
- PointsGabe Warren14Holy Cross Crusaders
- AssistsGabe Warren4Holy Cross Crusaders
- ReboundsAiden Disu6Holy Cross Crusaders
- PointsAleksander Pachucki17Bucknell Bison
- AssistsPat Curtin3Bucknell Bison
- ReboundsRuot Bijiek6Bucknell Bison
Recent form
Holy Cross Crusaders
Last 10: 5-5Streak L266 scored · 67.9 allowed per game3-2 at home
- L53-81at Harvard CrimsonDec 20
- L64-89vs Dartmouth Big GreenDec 16
- W69-47vs Regis College PrideDec 9
- W70-69at Fordham RamsDec 6
- W76-59vs Northeastern HuskiesDec 3
- W77-53vs Worcester State LancersNov 26
- L69-73vs Siena SaintsNov 24
- L66-79at Sacred Heart PioneersNov 22
- L49-68at Brown BearsNov 19
- W67-61at Hampton PiratesNov 16
Bucknell Bison
Last 10: 1-9Streak L161.8 scored · 81.1 allowed per game1-5 away
- L39-94at Iowa HawkeyesDec 20
- W51-38at Rider BroncsDec 10
- L66-73vs UMBC RetrieversDec 6
- L77-97at Akron ZipsDec 4
- L72-101vs Cornell Big RedNov 30
- L71-73vs Buffalo BullsNov 26
- L66-71at Bowling Green FalconsNov 24
- L49-97at St. John's Red StormNov 21
- L50-84at Pittsburgh PanthersNov 18
- L77-83vs Hofstra PrideNov 15
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Navy | 26-8 | - | 17-1 |
| Colgate | 18-15 | 6 | 11-7 |
| Lehigh | 18-17 | 6 | 11-7 |
| Boston University | 17-17 | 7 | 10-8 |
| American University | 16-16 | 8 | 9-9 |
| Loyola Maryland | 12-20 | 9 | 8-10 |
| Lafayette | 11-21 | 9 | 8-10 |
| Bucknell | 10-23 | 11 | 6-12 |
| Army | 11-21 | 12 | 5-13 |
| Holy Cross | 11-22 | 12 | 5-13 |
Box score
| Stat | Bucknell Bison | Holy Cross Crusaders |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 24-59 | 22-46 |
| Field goal % | 41 | 48 |
| Three-pointers | 8-26 | 1-9 |
| Three-point % | 31 | 11 |
| Free throws | 2-5 | 20-26 |
| Free throw % | 40 | 77 |
| Rebounds | 30 | 34 |
| Offensive rebounds | 11 | 8 |
| Defensive rebounds | 19 | 26 |
| Assists | 10 | 13 |
| Steals | 7 | 4 |
| Blocks | 1 | 1 |
| Turnovers | 13 | 11 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 10 | 12 |
| Fast-break points | 2 | 0 |
| Points in the paint | 28 | 42 |
| Fouls | 18 | 12 |
| Largest lead | 3 | 10 |
| Lead changes | 6 | 6 |
| Time in front | 9 | 85 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half26-33Jayden Williams makes layup
- 1st Half26-35DeAndre Williams makes layup
- 1st Half27-35Ruot Bijiek makes free throw 1 of 2
- 1st Half27-37John St. Germain III makes layup
- 2nd Half29-37Pat Curtin makes 14-foot jumper
- 2nd Half31-37Ruot Bijiek makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half33-37Jayden Williams makes layup
- 2nd Half33-38Aiden Disu makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half35-38Ruot Bijiek makes layup (Jayden Williams assists)
- 2nd Half35-40Declan Ryan makes 7-foot floating jump shot (John St. Germain III assists)
- 2nd Half38-40Aleksander Pachucki makes 24-foot three point jumper (Amon Dörries assists)
- 2nd Half40-40Aleksander Pachucki makes 4-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half40-41John St. Germain III makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half42-41Jayden Williams makes 8-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half44-41Pat Curtin makes layup
- 2nd Half44-42John St. Germain III makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half44-43John St. Germain III makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half44-45Gabe Warren makes 5-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half44-46Gabe Warren makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half45-46Achile Spadone makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half45-48Declan Ryan makes layup (John St. Germain III assists)
- 2nd Half45-49Gabe Warren makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half45-50Gabe Warren makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half47-50Ruot Bijiek makes 16-foot jumper
- 2nd Half47-52Tyler Boston makes 6-foot floating jump shot (Gabe Warren assists)
- 2nd Half47-54Aiden Disu makes 4-foot floating jump shot (Tyler Boston assists)
- 2nd Half49-54Achile Spadone makes 10-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half49-56Aidan Richard makes 10-foot jumper (Gabe Warren assists)
- 2nd Half49-58DeAndre Williams makes layup (Gabe Warren assists)
- 2nd Half51-58Ruot Bijiek makes layup (Pat Curtin assists)
- 2nd Half51-59DeAndre Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half51-60DeAndre Williams makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half53-60Jayden Williams makes 5-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half53-61Gabe Warren makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half55-61Jayden Williams makes 11-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half55-62Gabe Warren makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half55-63Gabe Warren makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half58-63Aleksander Pachucki makes 26-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half58-64Tyler Boston makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half58-65Tyler Boston makes free throw 1 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Holy Cross Crusaders, below favours Bucknell Bison.
Venue
- Hart Center ArenaWorcester, MA
- Attendance1124
- OfficialsTom Deneen, Vasili Mallios, Julian Scott
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These two, other days
- Holy Cross Crusaders Defeat Bucknell Bison 72-63Feb 22, 2026