Harvard seeks to end losing streak against Holy Cross

On December 4, 2024, the Harvard Crimson men's basketball team is scheduled to face the Holy Cross Crusaders in Worcester, Massachusetts. This matchup takes place at 6 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, marking the first encounter between the two teams this season. The Harvard Crimson, with a current record of 2-6, are attempting to break free from a five-game losing streak on the road, having struggled significantly in away games. Conversely, the Holy Cross Crusaders hold a slightly better record at 4-4 and remain undefeated at home, bringing their home game record to 1-0. The Crimson's performance away from home has been particularly troubling as they have not secured a victory in their last five outings, placing extra pressure on the team to perform well in this match. Furthermore, Harvard's turnover game is crucial; they have demonstrated a better chance of winning when they manage to win the turnover battle, with a current average of 11.1 turnovers per game. Holy Cross, meanwhile, excels in their three-point shooting, making an average of 8.4 shots from beyond the arc, which poses a challenge for the defensively vulnerable Crimson, who allow 7.8 three-pointers to their opponents on average. In terms of scoring, Harvard struggles to match Holy Cross's average, posting only 66.5 points per game, which is 6.5 points fewer than what Holy Cross allows defensively. This discrepancy indicates that the Crimson will have to find a way to increase their scoring output if they hope to compete effectively against the Crusaders. Key players in the matchup include Robert Hinton, who is averaging 15.8 points for Harvard with a shooting percentage of 46.7%, and Max Green, who leads Holy Cross with an average of 13.0 points while shooting 41.7%. As both teams are looking to establish momentum, Harvard is keenly focused on reversing its negative trajectory on the road, while Holy Cross aims to maintain its home winning streak. The game not only holds implications for each team's record but also contributes to their confidence and strategy as the season progresses. A successful outcome for Harvard would signal a potential turning point in their season, while a victory for Holy Cross could solidify their status as a formidable home team.