Nelson propels American to 81-69 victory over Holy Cross

WASHINGTON (AP) — Sa’eed Nelson tossed in 21 points and American beat Holy Cross 81-69 on Saturday.

Nelson buried 10 of 15 shots from the floor for the Eagles (8-9, 4-2 Patriot League) and added five assists. Mark Gasperini and Stacy Beckton Jr. both scored 13 apiece as American shot 61.5% from the floor (32 of 52) and made half of its eight 3-point tries.

Freshman Joe Pridgen had 28 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Crusaders (2-17, 1-5), who have now lost four straight games. It was the first double-double of Pridgen’s career. Matt Faw added 15 points and eight rebounds, while Austin Butler scored 15.

Holy Cross shot 48% overall but made just 4 of 15 from distance (27%). The Crusaders won the rebound battle 30-19.