NCAAB · Final

Army Edges Holy Cross in Nail-Biting Finish

Saturday, January 31, 2026, 1:00 PM ET · Christl Arena

Army Black Knights 69, Holy Cross Crusaders 68, 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 Holy Cross Crusaders vs Army Black Knights?

Army Black Knights beat Holy Cross Crusaders 69-68 at Christl Arena on January 31, 2026.

Who was favored in Holy Cross Crusaders vs Army Black Knights?

Army Black Knights were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -162 (about 62% implied). The favorite won.

In a thrilling matchup, the Army Black Knights narrowly defeated the Holy Cross Crusaders with a final score of 69-68 at Christl Arena. This game was particularly compelling as it showcased the close rivalry between the two teams, with Army looking to avenge a previous loss to Holy Cross earlier in the season. The stakes were high for both teams, as they aimed to improve their standings in the NCAAB league.

Army entered the game with a record of 10-13, having recently shown mixed form with a 4-6 record over their last ten games. They were on a one-game winning streak, having defeated the Lehigh Mountain Hawks 67-64 in their last outing. The Black Knights averaged 76.8 points scored while allowing 81.5 points in their recent games, indicating a high-scoring style but also a vulnerability on defense. At home, their record stood at 2-3 in the last five games, with an average of 70.4 points scored and 78.4 points allowed.

On the other hand, Holy Cross came into the game with an 8-15 record and had been struggling, losing their last four games, which contributed to a 3-7 record over their last ten. The Crusaders averaged 66.4 points scored and allowed 73.2 points during this stretch, indicating challenges in both scoring and defense. Their away record reflected their struggles, with only one win in their last six away games.

The teams had met earlier in the season on January 14, 2026, where Holy Cross emerged victorious with a score of 82-75. This previous result added an extra layer of intensity to the matchup, as Army sought to turn the tables on their rivals.

In terms of injuries, the block did not specify any key players missing from either side, which allowed both teams to field their strongest lineups. This absence of injury concerns contributed to a highly competitive atmosphere throughout the game.

The betting market, provided by DraftKings, had Army favored by 2.5 points, with a total set at 144.5. The odds reflected the close nature of the contest, as both teams had shown the ability to score but also struggled defensively.

Conditions in Christl Arena were typical for a basketball game, with a lively crowd that contributed to the electric atmosphere. Fans were treated to a back-and-forth contest that kept them on the edge of their seats.

As the game progressed, key moments defined the outcome. Tyler Boston made a crucial turnaround jump shot to give Holy Cross a brief lead at 63-61. However, Joshua Eli quickly equalized with a dunk, showcasing the high stakes and intensity of the game. Gabe Warren then hit a three-pointer to put Holy Cross ahead again at 66-63, but Army responded with a three-pointer from Ryan Curry, tying the game at 66.

In the closing minutes, free throws became pivotal. Ryan Curry made a free throw to give Army a 67-66 lead, and Tyler Boston added two more for Holy Cross, putting them ahead 68-67. Ultimately, Ryan Curry's step-back jumpshot sealed the victory for Army at 69-68, capping off a thrilling finish.

The game highlighted the resilience of both teams, with Army demonstrating their ability to perform under pressure and Holy Cross showing they could compete fiercely despite their recent struggles. As the season progresses, both teams will look to build on this performance, with Army gaining momentum from this hard-fought victory.

Odds

Book	Spread	Total	Moneyline
DraftKings	ARMY -2.5	144.5 o -108 / u -112	Holy Cross Crusaders +136 · Army Black Knights -162

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Leaders

PointsRyan Curry27Army Black Knights
AssistsRyan Curry4Army Black Knights
ReboundsJoshua Eli12Army Black Knights
PointsAiden Disu14Holy Cross Crusaders
AssistsTyler Boston5Holy Cross Crusaders
ReboundsAiden Disu10Holy Cross Crusaders

Recent form

Army Black Knights

Last 10: 4-6Streak W176.8 scored · 81.5 allowed per game2-3 at home

W67-64vs Lehigh Mountain HawksJan 28
L56-84at Navy MidshipmenJan 24
W87-84at Bucknell BisonJan 22
L67-78vs American University EaglesJan 18
L75-82at Holy Cross CrusadersJan 14
L91-100at Boston University TerriersJan 10
L76-84vs Loyola Maryland GreyhoundsJan 7
L69-76vs Colgate RaidersJan 3
W85-78at Lehigh Mountain HawksDec 31
W95-85vs Binghamton BearcatsDec 23

Holy Cross Crusaders

Last 10: 3-7Streak L466.4 scored · 73.2 allowed per game1-5 away

L74-79at Colgate RaidersJan 29
L67-76vs American University EaglesJan 24
L68-85at Navy MidshipmenJan 22
L55-74at Lafayette LeopardsJan 17
W82-75vs Army Black KnightsJan 14
W84-73at American University EaglesJan 10
L58-66at Lehigh Mountain HawksJan 7
L58-65vs Navy MidshipmenJan 3
W65-58vs Bucknell BisonDec 31
L53-81at Harvard CrimsonDec 20

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	Holy Cross Crusaders	Army Black Knights
Field goals	22-60	24-62
Field goal %	37	39
Three-pointers	8-18	15-40
Three-point %	44	38
Free throws	16-19	6-16
Free throw %	84	38
Rebounds	36	46
Offensive rebounds	10	17
Defensive rebounds	26	29
Assists	9	17
Steals	9	6
Blocks	4	3
Turnovers	9	15
Team turnovers	0	0
Technical fouls	0	0
Technical fouls, total	0	0
Flagrant fouls	0	0
Points off turnovers	17	7
Fast-break points	9	9
Points in the paint	22	16
Fouls	17	18
Largest lead	4	8
Lead changes	13	13
Time in front	19	55

How the scoring went

1st Half29-28Aiden Disu makes free throw 2 of 2
1st Half29-31Jorn Everson makes 25-foot three point jumper (Kevin McCarthy assists)
1st Half30-31Aiden Disu makes free throw 1 of 2
1st Half31-31Aiden Disu makes free throw 2 of 2
1st Half31-32Jacen Holloway makes free throw 1 of 2
1st Half31-33Jacen Holloway makes free throw 2 of 2
1st Half32-33John St. Germain III makes free throw 1 of 2
1st Half33-33John St. Germain III makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half35-33Gabe Warren makes 0-foot tip in dunk
2nd Half36-33Declan Ryan makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half37-33Declan Ryan makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half37-36Jorn Everson makes 25-foot three point jumper (Ryan Curry assists)
2nd Half37-39Ryan Curry makes 27-foot three point jumper (Joshua Eli assists)
2nd Half37-42Jackson Furman makes 24-foot three point jumper (Ryan Curry assists)
2nd Half40-42DeAndre Williams makes 26-foot three point jumper
2nd Half40-45Kevin McCarthy makes 27-foot three point jumper (Ryan Curry assists)
2nd Half42-45Aiden Disu makes 8-foot turnaround jump shot
2nd Half42-47Jaxson Bell makes driving layup
2nd Half42-49Ryan Curry makes layup (Jacen Holloway assists)
2nd Half44-49John St. Germain III makes 4-foot floating jump shot
2nd Half44-52Joshua Eli makes 27-foot three point jumper (Jaxson Bell assists)
2nd Half47-52John St. Germain III makes 23-foot three point jumper (Gabe Warren assists)
2nd Half50-52DeAndre Williams makes 24-foot three point jumper (Tyler Boston assists)
2nd Half52-52Declan Ryan makes driving layup (Tyler Boston assists)
2nd Half52-55Jorn Everson makes 24-foot three point jumper
2nd Half54-55Declan Ryan makes driving layup
2nd Half54-57Joshua Eli makes 4-foot dunk (Ryan Curry assists)
2nd Half54-58Joshua Eli makes free throw 1 of 1
2nd Half54-61Ryan Curry makes 23-foot three point jumper (Jaxson Bell assists)
2nd Half57-61DeAndre Williams makes 23-foot three point jumper (Declan Ryan assists)
2nd Half59-61Gabe Warren makes driving layup
2nd Half61-61Aiden Disu makes 3-foot dunk (Tyler Boston assists)
2nd Half63-61Tyler Boston makes 9-foot turnaround jump shot
2nd Half63-63Joshua Eli makes 3-foot dunk
2nd Half66-63Gabe Warren makes 25-foot three point jumper (Aidan Richard assists)
2nd Half66-66Ryan Curry makes 25-foot three point jumper (Joshua Eli assists)
2nd Half66-67Ryan Curry makes free throw 1 of 1
2nd Half67-67Tyler Boston makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half68-67Tyler Boston makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half68-69Ryan Curry makes 15-foot step back jumpshot