Navy vs Holy Cross Prediction 1/8/25 College Basketball Picks

In this article we will formulate a Navy vs Holy Cross prediction for this College Basketball game on Wednesday, January 8th at the Hart Center in Worcester, Massachusetts. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Navy Midshipmen Betting Preview

The Navy Midshipmen are 5-10 (2-0) this year after they defeated Lafayette by a score of 71-70 in their last game. Navy led 41-33 at halftime and they were able to get the win, despite being outscored 37-30 in the second half. The Midshipmen shot 44.1% from the field, 43.8% on three-pointers, and 70.6% on free throws in the game. Donovan Draper led Navy with 17 points and nine rebounds, while Austin Benigni added 14 points and five rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that victory, the Midshipmen defeated Americans by a score of 81-58 but lost to William & Mary by a score of 82-76 before that. Navy has lost six of their last eight games, but they are 2-0 to start conference play and are sitting at #1 in the Patriot standings. Navy has scored 72.6 points per game and they have allowed 72.5 points per game, while also averaging 36.5 rebounds and 14.5 assists per game this season. Austin Benigni is averaging 16.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game, while Aidan Kehoe is averaging 10.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game this year. Navy is shooting 42.1% from the field, 73.5% on free throws, and 33.1% on three-pointers this season. 

Holy Cross Crusaders Betting Preview

The Holy Cross Crusaders are 9-6 (1-1) this season after they lost to American by a score of 75-64 in their last game. Holy Cross trailed 30-26 at halftime and allowed 45 points in the second half in the loss. The Crusaders shot 42.1% from the field, 36% on three-pointers, and 70% on free throws in the game. Max Green led Holy Cross with 20 points and five assists, while Joe Nugent added 19 points and six rebounds in the loss. 

Prior to that game, the Crusaders defeated Loyola (MD) by a score of 74-72 and a non-D-1 team by a score of 82-46. Holy Cross has won four of their last five games, with the other two wins coming against Siena and Quinnipiac. Holy Cross has scored 69.5 points per game and they have allowed 70.1 points per game, while also averaging 31.9 rebounds and 12.8 assists per game this season. Max Green is averaging 14.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game, while Joe Nugent is averaging 12.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game this year. Holy Cross is shooting 45.2% from the field, 75.4% on free throws, and 39.9% on three-pointers this season. 

Why Holy Cross will beat Navy

• The home team has won each of Navy’s last six games.
• Navy has lost each of its last four road games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Holy Cross has won the first half in six of its last eight night games against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Navy vs Holy Cross Prediction 

Navy comes into this matchup looking for their third straight win in conference play and they are the only team sitting at 2-0 right now in the Patriot League. The Midshipmen had a very rough start to the season, winning just three of their first 13 games, and they are shooting just 42.1% from the field. Holy Cross is 1-1 in the Patriot League, but they have had a much better start to the season. The Crusaders have not lost three games in a row at any point so far this year, but they are scoring fewer than 70 points per game. Holy Cross is the better shooting team and they have slightly better defensive numbers, so I like them to get the cover at home in this matchup.