The first Patriot League post

This past summer I bought a book at the bookstore called The Last Amateurs. Before I bought it, I have never heard of it, so I knew basically knew nothing about it. It ended up being one of the best books that I have ever read. It was a great look inside the 1999-2000 Patriot League season, and makes you realize that there is basketball outside of the major conferences.

The book boosted an interest in smaller conference teams that I have had for a while. So, I will post on occasion about the Patriot League, and here is the first post. I can't wait until Championship Week to get a glimpse of two of the teams.

All eight teams are in action for the Patriot League tonight. The most important game of the night will be Bucknell at Holy Cross. Only two more conference games remain for each team, so this is the home stretch.

Bucknell @ Holy Cross: This is a rematch of the Crusader's only conference loss of the season. Bucknell came into the season looking like the pre-season favorite, especially after their 69-66 victory at Pittsburgh who was ranked 7th at the time. In the first conference game for both team's Bucknell beat Holy Cross 59-43 at home. Since then, Holy Cross has kicked it into gear as they have won eleven straight going into tonight's matchup. Win today and the Crusaders clinch the Patriot League regular season title, lose and they will probably clinch Saturday against Army.

Here is a look at the Standings:

Patriot League
Team	Conf. W-L	Tot. W-L
Holy Cross	11-1	20-5
Bucknell	9-3	18-8
Lehigh	7-5	13-12
American	6-6	13-11
Colgate	6-6	11-13
Lafayette	4-8	8-17
Navy	4-8	8-17
Army	1-11	3-21