Black Knights Win their Regular Season Finale

WORCHESTER, MA. – In the regular season finale, the Army West Point men’s basketball team (16-15, 10-8 Patriot League) defeated the Holy Cross Crusaders (10-21, 7-11) 80-65 Saturday afternoon. Senior Chris Mann led the way for the Black Knights with 18 points and 8 rebounds.

Army had four players in double figures as they outscored Holy Cross by 11 points in the second half, securing a 15-point victory in the season finale. Mann led the way with 18, Ethan Roberts had 15, Jalen Rucker had 14 and Coleton Benson had 11.

In the first seven minutes of action, Army raced out to an 18-7 lead which included a three-point make by TJ Small.

At the break, Army maintained a four-point lead, 35-31.

In the second half, Army and Holy Cross kept things tight for the first several minutes as Army hung on to a 43-41 lead. Coleton Benson made a three-pointer at the 14:56 mark to widen the lead to five points.

Army grew its lead to 10 after another three-point make by Small, 55-45. From then on, Army controlled the remaining 10 minutes and change, keeping its lead in double figures.

Mann shot 7-11 from the field on his way to 18 points.

Army’s Coleton Benson splashed three three-point makes and Abe Johnson grabbed a season high nine rebounds.

Holy Cross’ Gerrale Gates scored a game high 26 on 12-22 shooting.

Army has secured the No. 4 seed in the Patriot League Conference Tournament and will host Boston University in the quarterfinal game at Christ Arena on Thursday, March 2 at 6 PM.

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