Navy Midshipmen vs Holy Cross Crusaders NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/8/25
The Midshipmen and Crusaders are set to face off at 6:00 ET on ESPN+. The Crusaders will host the game at Hart Center in Worcester, MA. The over/under for this game is set at 144.5 points, and Holy Cross is favored by -1.5 vs. Navy in a Patriot League conference matchup.
NAVY MIDSHIPMEN VS HOLY CROSS CRUSADERS BETTING PICK
The Pick: Holy Cross Crusaders -1.5
This game will be played at Hart Center at 6:00 ET on Wednesday, January 8th.
WHY BET THE HOLY CROSS CRUSADERS:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 78-70 in favor of the Crusaders.
- Not only will Holy Cross pick up the win, but look for them to cover at -1.5.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 144.5 points, and we like the over with a projected 148 points.
Can the Midshipmen Offense Score Enough in Worcester?
Navy Midshipmen Recent Game/Games
Navy improved to 4-10 on the season with a narrow 71-70 win over Lafayette on Sunday. The Midshipmen, who were favored by 3 points, didn’t cover the spread. The game’s total points of 141 went over the pre-game line of 138.5.
After leading 41-33 at halftime, Navy allowed Lafayette to score 37 points in the second half while managing only 30 themselves, but they held on for the win.
Navy’s offense put up 71 points in their last game, shooting 43.3% from the field. They connected on 43.8% of their threes, going 7-for-16, and hit 70.6% from the free-throw line, making 12 of 17 attempts.
Donovan Draper led the way with 17 points and 9 rebounds, shooting 66.7% from the floor. Caleb Williams added 16 points, hitting 4 of 8 from deep, while Andrew Phillips contributed 15 points, making 3 of 4 from beyond the arc.
Navy’s defense gave up 70 points in their last game, with the opponent shooting 43% from the field on 26 of 60 attempts. Inside the arc, they allowed 19 of 44 shooting, also at 43%.
From three-point range, Navy’s opponent hit 7 of 16 shots, good for 43%. They also sent the opponent to the free-throw line 17 times, where they made 12, shooting 70%. Navy gave up 8 offensive rebounds.
Do the Crusaders Have What it Takes at Home?
Holy Cross Crusaders Recent Game/Games
The Crusaders dropped to 7-6 on the season after a 75-64 road loss to American on Sunday. Holy Cross entered the game as +6.5 point underdogs and failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game were 139, just over the O/U line of 137.5.
Holy Cross trailed 30-26 at halftime but allowed 45 points in the 2nd half while scoring 38 of their own. The Crusaders will look to tighten up their defense as they move forward in the season.
Holy Cross put up 64 points in their last game, shooting 42.1% from the field and 36% from beyond the arc. Their effective field goal percentage was 49.1%, with the team hitting 15 of 32 two-point attempts (46.9%). At the free-throw line, they connected on 7 of 10 shots for 70%.
Max Green led the Crusaders with 20 points and 5 assists, though he shot just 3 of 9 from three. Joe Nugent hit 5 of 8 threes, finishing with 19 points, while Matt Rogers was 4 of 5 from deep, scoring 18 points. Julen Iturbe was perfect from the field, hitting all 3 of his three-point attempts.
Despite Holy Cross’s defensive efforts, they allowed 75 points on 50% shooting from the field. The Crusaders gave up 12 two-pointers on 24 attempts.
From beyond the arc, Holy Cross allowed 12 threes on 24 attempts, also at a 50% clip. They sent the opposing team to the line 17 times, where they converted 15 free throws, shooting 88%. The Crusaders limited second-chance points, giving up just 3 offensive rebounds.