The Colgate Raiders men’s basketball team has ignited March Madness buzz with a dramatic mid-season turnaround, defying expectations in the Patriot League. After starting the 2024-25 season 4-11, the Raiders have clawed their way to a 9-6 conference record (12-16 overall), positioning themselves as dark horses in the league tournament race.
Late-Game Heroics Fuel Momentum
Colgate’s resurgence hit high gear with Wednesday’s 79-75 victory over Navy, where senior center Jeff Woodward dominated with 23 points and 10 rebounds. This marked their third win in four games, including decisive victories over Holy Cross (87-65) and Loyola Maryland (82-68). Their recent surge contrasts sharply with early struggles against powerhouses like Kentucky and Syracuse.
Patriot League Standings Breakdown
| Team | Conference Record | Overall Record |
|---|---|---|
| American University | 11-4 | 17-11 |
| Army | 10-5 | 16-11 |
| Bucknell | 10-5 | 14-14 |
| Colgate | 9-6 | 12-16 |
Sunday Showdown: Rematch Alert
All eyes turn to Sunday’s noon ET clash at Loyola Maryland’s Reitz Arena, where Colgate aims to sweep the season series. Prediction models give the Raiders a 68% win probability, though Loyola (+5.5 spread) seeks redemption after February 8’s 14-point loss. Key factors:
- Colgate’s 50% shooting efficiency in their first meeting
- Loyola’s home-court advantage (10-16 record)
- Battle of guards: Jalen Cox (12 PPG) vs Loyola’s Deon Perry (15.3 PPG)
Tournament History Looms Large
The seven-time NCAA tournament participants seek their first March Madness win, having fallen to Baylor 67-92 in last year’s first round. With three regular-season games remaining, Colgate needs strong finishes against Loyola, Boston University, and Army to secure postseason positioning.
