Lehigh Edges Holy Cross in Thrilling Finish
Thursday, March 5, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Stabler Arena
Lehigh Mountain Hawks 69, Holy Cross Crusaders 66, 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 Lehigh Mountain Hawks?
Lehigh Mountain Hawks beat Holy Cross Crusaders 69-66 at Stabler Arena on March 5, 2026.
Who was favored in Holy Cross Crusaders vs Lehigh Mountain Hawks?
Lehigh Mountain Hawks were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -258 (about 72% implied). The favorite won.
In a tightly contested matchup, the Lehigh Mountain Hawks narrowly defeated the Holy Cross Crusaders with a final score of 69-66 at Stabler Arena. This game was significant not only for its close scoreline but also for the implications it held for both teams' standings in the NCAAB league.
Lehigh entered the game with a home record of 16-16, having recently shown a resurgence in form with a record of 6-4 in their last ten games, including a three-game winning streak. They averaged 74.6 points scored while allowing 75.0 points per game during this stretch. Their recent victories included wins against Bucknell (89-79), American University (78-73), and Boston University (70-67). At home, Lehigh boasted a perfect record of 4-0 in their last four games, demonstrating their strength on their own court.
On the other hand, Holy Cross came into the game with an overall record of 11-22 and a less favorable recent form of 3-7 in their last ten games, although they had managed to secure a win in their most recent outing against Lafayette (82-77). Holy Cross averaged 71.3 points scored and allowed 74.5 points during their last ten games. Their away record stood at 2-3 in this span, which reflected their struggles outside of their home venue.
The two teams had faced each other multiple times in recent seasons, with Lehigh holding a 3-1 advantage in their last four meetings. Earlier this season, on February 7, 2026, Holy Cross had defeated Lehigh 76-67, showcasing their capability to challenge the Mountain Hawks. However, Lehigh had previously won their earlier matchup in January 2026 with a score of 66-58.
In terms of injuries, the block did not specify any significant player absences that would impact the game. This meant both teams were likely able to field their best lineups, adding to the competitiveness of the fixture.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Lehigh favored by 5.5 points, with a total set at 142.5. The odds reflected a belief in Lehigh's ability to secure a win at home, which they ultimately did, but not without a fight from Holy Cross.
The game conditions were typical for a late-season college basketball matchup, with both teams likely feeling the pressure of the moment. Fans in attendance witnessed a back-and-forth battle, particularly in the second half, where the lead changed hands multiple times. Key moments included a series of free throws and layups that kept the score tight.
As the game progressed, Holy Cross held a 64-58 lead at one point in the second half. However, Lehigh's Nasir Whitlock played a crucial role in the comeback, scoring several key baskets, including a driving layup that tied the game at 66-66 before he hit a 49-foot three-pointer to clinch the victory for Lehigh.
Overall, this fixture was a testament to the competitive spirit of both teams, with Lehigh managing to secure a vital win in front of their home crowd, while Holy Cross demonstrated resilience despite the loss.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | LEH -5.5 | 142.5 o -105 / u -115 | Holy Cross Crusaders +210 · Lehigh Mountain Hawks -258 |
Leaders
- PointsNasir Whitlock29Lehigh Mountain Hawks
- AssistsJoshua Ingram4Lehigh Mountain Hawks
- ReboundsJalen Vazquez7Lehigh Mountain Hawks
- PointsTyler Boston24Holy Cross Crusaders
- AssistsTyler Boston3Holy Cross Crusaders
- ReboundsAiden Disu8Holy Cross Crusaders
Recent form
Lehigh Mountain Hawks
Last 10: 6-4Streak W374.6 scored · 75 allowed per game4-0 at home
- W89-79vs Bucknell BisonFeb 28
- W78-73at American University EaglesFeb 26
- W70-67vs Boston University TerriersFeb 22
- L49-72at Navy MidshipmenFeb 19
- W78-69at Lafayette LeopardsFeb 14
- W90-82vs American University EaglesFeb 12
- L67-76at Holy Cross CrusadersFeb 7
- L84-89at Loyola Maryland GreyhoundsFeb 5
- W77-76vs Colgate RaidersJan 31
- L64-67at Army Black KnightsJan 28
Holy Cross Crusaders
Last 10: 3-7Streak W171.3 scored · 74.5 allowed per game2-3 away
- W82-77at Lafayette LeopardsMar 4
- L62-76vs Loyola Maryland GreyhoundsFeb 28
- L63-78at Boston University TerriersFeb 26
- W72-63at Bucknell BisonFeb 22
- L83-86vs Lafayette LeopardsFeb 18
- L73-83at Loyola Maryland GreyhoundsFeb 15
- L70-74vs Colgate RaidersFeb 11
- W76-67vs Lehigh Mountain HawksFeb 7
- L64-72vs Boston University TerriersFeb 3
- L68-69at Army Black KnightsJan 31
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 | Lehigh Mountain Hawks |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 21-52 | 27-55 |
| Field goal % | 40 | 49 |
| Three-pointers | 4-16 | 6-13 |
| Three-point % | 25 | 46 |
| Free throws | 20-22 | 9-12 |
| Free throw % | 91 | 75 |
| Rebounds | 27 | 34 |
| Offensive rebounds | 5 | 7 |
| Defensive rebounds | 22 | 27 |
| Assists | 7 | 11 |
| Steals | 8 | 7 |
| Blocks | 3 | 1 |
| Turnovers | 10 | 12 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 12 | 11 |
| Fast-break points | 13 | 4 |
| Points in the paint | 30 | 38 |
| Fouls | 15 | 16 |
| Largest lead | 6 | 9 |
| Lead changes | 12 | 12 |
| Time in front | 30 | 60 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half36-35Gabe Warren makes driving layup
- 2nd Half36-37Edouard Benoit makes layup
- 2nd Half38-37Declan Ryan makes layup (Tyler Boston assists)
- 2nd Half39-37Tyler Boston makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half40-37Tyler Boston makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half41-37Tyler Boston makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half41-39Nasir Whitlock makes 9-foot floating jump shot (Joshua Ingram assists)
- 2nd Half43-39DeAndre Williams makes driving layup
- 2nd Half43-41Nasir Whitlock makes driving layup
- 2nd Half45-41DeAndre Williams makes 14-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half45-43Nasir Whitlock makes driving layup
- 2nd Half45-45Nasir Whitlock makes driving layup
- 2nd Half45-46Hank Alvey makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half45-47Hank Alvey makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half47-47Aiden Disu makes driving layup (Tyler Boston assists)
- 2nd Half47-49Edouard Benoit makes layup
- 2nd Half49-49Tyler Boston makes driving layup
- 2nd Half50-49Tyler Boston makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half50-51Joshua Ingram makes driving layup
- 2nd Half51-51Tyler Boston makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half52-51Tyler Boston makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half52-52Jalen Vazquez makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half52-53Jalen Vazquez makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half55-53Aiden Disu makes 24-foot three point jumper (Tyler Boston assists)
- 2nd Half56-53Aiden Disu makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half57-53Aiden Disu makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half57-56Nasir Whitlock makes 24-foot three point jumper (Edouard Benoit assists)
- 2nd Half57-58Hank Alvey makes layup
- 2nd Half59-58Declan Ryan makes driving layup
- 2nd Half61-58Gabe Warren makes driving layup
- 2nd Half62-58Gabe Warren makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half63-58Tyler Boston makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half64-58Tyler Boston makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half64-59Nasir Whitlock makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half64-60Nasir Whitlock makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half64-62Nasir Whitlock makes driving layup
- 2nd Half64-64Hank Alvey makes layup
- 2nd Half66-64Gabe Warren makes 7-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half66-66Nasir Whitlock makes driving layup
- 2nd Half66-69Nasir Whitlock makes 49-foot three pointer
Win probability
Above the line favours Lehigh Mountain Hawks, below favours Holy Cross Crusaders.
Venue
- Stabler ArenaBethlehem, PA
- Attendance1350
- OfficialsMike Millione, Ryan Sassano, Garrett Jones
Elsewhere
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- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
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- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond