Holy Cross Crusaders vs. Lehigh Mountain Hawks Prediction and Betting Tips

The Holy Cross Crusaders and Lehigh Mountain Hawks are set to clash in an exciting Patriot League matchup on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at Stabler Arena in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. With both teams holding identical 4-9 conference records, this game promises to be a tightly contested battle. Whether you’re a fan, bettor, or just a college basketball enthusiast, this article provides a comprehensive preview, prediction, and betting insights for the Holy Cross vs. Lehigh showdown.

Game Overview

• Date: Saturday, February 15, 2025
• Time: 2:00 PM ET
• Location: Stabler Arena, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
• TV/Streaming: ESPN+

The Lehigh Mountain Hawks (9-15, 4-9 Patriot League) enter this game as 4.5-point favorites, with the over/under set at 139.5 points17. Both teams are looking to bounce back from recent losses, making this a crucial game for their postseason aspirations.

Team Analysis

Holy Cross Crusaders (12-14, 4-9 Patriot League)

The Crusaders have struggled recently, losing six of their last seven road games against conference opponents3. Despite a strong start to the season, Holy Cross has been inconsistent, particularly on the offensive end. Key players to watch include:

• Max Green: Leading scorer with 14.4 points per game and a 37.2% three-point shooting percentage.
• Joe Nugent: A sharpshooter with a 42.4% three-point accuracy.
• Caleb Kenney: A reliable forward averaging 11.4 points and 54.3% field goal shooting.

Holy Cross averages 69.0 points per game but has struggled defensively, allowing 70.7 points per game17. Their ability to limit turnovers and capitalize on three-point opportunities will be critical in this matchup.

Lehigh Mountain Hawks (9-15, 4-9 Patriot League)

Lehigh has been slightly better at home, boasting a 7-4 record at Stabler Arena1. However, they are coming off a tough loss to Navy and have lost four of their last five games. Key performers for Lehigh include:

• Tyler Whitney-Sidney: The team’s leading scorer with 13.3 points per game.
• Cam Gillus: A versatile guard averaging 10.3 points and 1.3 steals per game.
• Nasir Whitlock: A solid contributor with 9.3 points per game.

The Mountain Hawks average 70.3 points per game but have struggled defensively, allowing 71.5 points per game17. Their ability to control the pace and dominate the boards will be crucial.

Head-to-Head History

Lehigh has dominated recent matchups, winning seven of the last ten games against Holy Cross26. In their most recent meeting on February 1, 2025, Lehigh edged out Holy Cross with a 69-67 victory5. However, Holy Cross has shown resilience in close games, making this rematch highly unpredictable.

Betting Insights

Odds and Spread

• Spread: Lehigh -4.5
• Moneyline: Lehigh -200, Holy Cross +165
• Over/Under: 139.5 points

Key Betting Trends

• Lehigh: The Mountain Hawks are 10-12 against the spread (ATS) this season and have covered the spread in five of their last ten games.
• Holy Cross: The Crusaders are 12-13 ATS this season and have gone over the total in 13 of their 26 games.

Expert Predictions

• Predicted Score: Lehigh 72, Holy Cross 68.
• ATS Pick: Holy Cross +4.51.
• Over/Under Pick: Over 139.5.

Why Lehigh Could Win

1. Home Advantage: Lehigh has a strong record at Stabler Arena, winning seven of their 11 home games this season.
2. Recent Dominance: The Mountain Hawks have won four of their last five games against Holy Cross.
3. Balanced Scoring: With multiple players averaging double-digit points, Lehigh can exploit Holy Cross’s defensive weaknesses.

Why Holy Cross Could Win

1. Three-Point Shooting: Holy Cross ranks 62nd in the nation with 9.1 three-pointers made per game, which could be a game-changer.
2. Rebounding Edge: The Crusaders average 29.3 rebounds per game, slightly better than Lehigh’s 28.8.
3. Motivation: After a recent blowout loss to Colgate, Holy Cross will be eager to bounce back.

Betting Tips

1. Moneyline: Consider Holy Cross at +165 for higher returns, given their potential to upset.
2. Spread: Holy Cross +4.5 is a safer bet, as the game is expected to be close.
3. Over/Under: Bet on the over (139.5), as both teams have a history of high-scoring games.

Final Thoughts

The Holy Cross Crusaders and Lehigh Mountain Hawks are evenly matched, making this a must-watch game for college basketball fans. While Lehigh holds the home-court advantage and recent head-to-head dominance, Holy Cross’s three-point shooting and rebounding could keep them in contention. For bettors, the spread and over/under markets offer enticing opportunities.

Tune in on ESPN+ at 2:00 PM ET to catch all the action live. Whether you’re rooting for the Crusaders or the Mountain Hawks, this game promises to deliver excitement and drama.

Disclaimer: Gambling involves risk. Please gamble responsibly and within your limits. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, seek help from professional resources.