Lafayette Dominates Holy Cross 74-55 at Home
Saturday, January 17, 2026, 1:00 PM ET · Kirby Sports Center
Lafayette Leopards 74, Holy Cross Crusaders 55, 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 Lafayette Leopards?
Lafayette Leopards beat Holy Cross Crusaders 74-55 at Kirby Sports Center on January 17, 2026.
Who was favored in Holy Cross Crusaders vs Lafayette Leopards?
Lafayette Leopards were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -130 (about 57% implied). The favorite won.
In a decisive victory, the Lafayette Leopards defeated the Holy Cross Crusaders 74-55 at the Kirby Sports Center. This matchup was particularly noteworthy as it showcased the Leopards' ability to rebound from a three-game losing streak, while the Crusaders were looking to build on their recent success. The win improves Lafayette's home record to 6-14, while Holy Cross falls to 8-12 overall.
Lafayette entered the game with a recent record of 2-8 over their last ten games, struggling significantly with an average of 71.5 points scored but allowing 79.3 points per game. Their last five games had seen them average 68.4 points scored and 76.8 points allowed, indicating defensive vulnerabilities. In contrast, Holy Cross had a more favorable recent form, boasting a 6-4 record in their last ten games, with an average of 67.9 points scored and 68.2 points allowed. Their last five games had them scoring an average of 69.4 points while allowing 67.4 points, showcasing a more balanced performance.
The game unfolded with Lafayette taking control early, and they maintained that momentum throughout. The Leopards had previously faced Holy Cross three times in the last season, winning two of those encounters, including a close 69-68 victory in their last meeting on March 5, 2025. This history likely contributed to Lafayette's confidence heading into this matchup.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details on player availability for either team, but the absence of key players can significantly impact team performance, particularly in a competitive league like NCAAB.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Lafayette favored by 2.5 points, with a total set at 138.5. The odds indicated that Lafayette was expected to win, reflecting their home advantage and recent history against Holy Cross.
Conditions in the Kirby Sports Center were optimal for basketball, contributing to an engaging atmosphere for the fans. The Leopards capitalized on their home court, which has been a crucial factor in their performance this season.
As the game progressed, viewers could note Lafayette's strong defensive efforts, particularly in the second half, where they limited Holy Cross’s scoring opportunities. The Leopards' ability to convert free throws in critical moments, as seen when Caleb Williams and Chuck Hare each made crucial free throws, helped solidify their lead. The final scoring plays highlighted Lafayette's control of the game, with Folabomi Fayemi sealing the victory with a layup assisted by KaiMani Murdock.
Overall, this matchup served as a reminder of Lafayette's potential when playing at home, and it sets the stage for their upcoming games as they look to build on this momentum.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | LAF -2.5 | 138.5 o -115 / u -105 | Holy Cross Crusaders +110 · Lafayette Leopards -130 |
Leaders
- PointsAndrew Phillips19Lafayette Leopards
- AssistsCaleb Williams4Lafayette Leopards
- ReboundsChristian Humphrey-Rembert14Lafayette Leopards
- PointsTyler Boston18Holy Cross Crusaders
- AssistsAiden Disu2Holy Cross Crusaders
- ReboundsJoe Nugent4Holy Cross Crusaders
Recent form
Lafayette Leopards
Last 10: 2-8Streak L371.5 scored · 79.3 allowed per game1-3 at home
- L69-76at Bucknell BisonJan 15
- L50-76at Navy MidshipmenJan 10
- L67-83vs Boston University TerriersJan 8
- W79-64at Loyola Maryland GreyhoundsJan 3
- L77-85vs Colgate RaidersDec 31
- L81-95at Georgia Tech Yellow JacketsDec 20
- L67-81at Charlotte 49ersDec 19
- L72-74at Pennsylvania QuakersDec 8
- W79-71vs Mercyhurst LakersDec 6
- L74-88vs Monmouth HawksNov 30
Holy Cross Crusaders
Last 10: 6-4Streak W267.9 scored · 68.2 allowed per game2-2 away
- 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
- L64-89vs Dartmouth Big GreenDec 16
- W69-47vs Regis College PrideDec 9
- W70-69at Fordham RamsDec 6
- W76-59vs Northeastern HuskiesDec 3
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 | Lafayette Leopards |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 18-51 | 26-63 |
| Field goal % | 35 | 41 |
| Three-pointers | 5-20 | 7-20 |
| Three-point % | 25 | 35 |
| Free throws | 14-20 | 15-24 |
| Free throw % | 70 | 63 |
| Rebounds | 31 | 45 |
| Offensive rebounds | 6 | 15 |
| Defensive rebounds | 25 | 30 |
| Assists | 7 | 17 |
| Steals | 4 | 5 |
| Blocks | 2 | 1 |
| Turnovers | 11 | 5 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 3 | 21 |
| Fast-break points | 3 | 9 |
| Points in the paint | 22 | 38 |
| Fouls | 18 | 15 |
| Largest lead | 0 | 22 |
| Lead changes | 0 | 0 |
| Time in front | 0 | 96 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half29-40Andrew Phillips makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half30-40Joe Nugent makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half31-40Joe Nugent makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half31-41Christian Humphrey-Rembert makes free throw 2 of 3
- 2nd Half31-42Christian Humphrey-Rembert makes free throw 3 of 3
- 2nd Half33-42Joe Nugent makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half33-44Shareef Jackson makes layup (Andrew Phillips assists)
- 2nd Half35-44Aiden Disu makes 6-foot jumper
- 2nd Half35-47Caleb Williams makes 27-foot three point jumper (Andrew Phillips assists)
- 2nd Half35-50Caleb Williams makes 23-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half37-50Tyler Boston makes driving layup
- 2nd Half39-50Joe Nugent makes layup (Declan Ryan assists)
- 2nd Half41-50Tyler Boston makes 14-foot jumper
- 2nd Half41-52Mark Butler makes driving layup
- 2nd Half41-54Andrew Phillips makes layup (Caleb Williams assists)
- 2nd Half41-56Shareef Jackson makes 3-foot jumper
- 2nd Half41-57Mark Butler makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half43-57Tyler Boston makes driving layup
- 2nd Half44-57Tyler Boston makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half44-59Mark Butler makes 10-foot jumper (Ryan Pettit assists)
- 2nd Half44-60Shareef Jackson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half44-61Caleb Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half44-62Caleb Williams makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half44-63Caleb Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half44-64Caleb Williams makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half45-64Aiden Disu makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half46-64Aiden Disu makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half46-66Ryan Pettit makes 5-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half46-67Misha Bednostin makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half46-68Shareef Jackson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half49-68Joe Nugent makes 23-foot three point jumper (Will Aljancic assists)
- 2nd Half51-68John St. Germain III makes driving layup
- 2nd Half52-68John St. Germain III makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half52-70Andrew Phillips makes driving layup
- 2nd Half52-71Caleb Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half52-72Caleb Williams makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half53-72Chuck Hare makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half54-72Chuck Hare makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half54-74Folabomi Fayemi makes layup (KaiMani Murdock assists)
- 2nd Half55-74Tim Finau makes free throw 1 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Lafayette Leopards, below favours Holy Cross Crusaders.
Venue
- Kirby Sports CenterEaston, PA
- Attendance679
- OfficialsPhil Sallustio Jr., Jafar Kinsey, Javed Trotman
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond