The Holy Cross Crusaders men's basketball team represents the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts, competing in NCAA Division I. They play their home games at the Hart Center. Notable basketball figures like Bob Cousy and Tom Heinsohn, as well as coach Joe Mullaney, are Holy Cross alumni.
In 1947, under coach Doggie Julian, the team clinched a national championship, making Holy Cross the only Massachusetts school to achieve this honor. Dave Paulsen took over as the team's 19th head coach on March 28, 2023. Holy Cross has made a lasting impact on the sport, from their humble beginnings to their shining moments on the national stage.
Holy Cross College Basketball Championship Wins
Holy Cross secured their first NCAA tournament championship in 1947. Led by stars like George Kaftan and Bob Cousy, they defeated Oklahoma at Madison Square Garden to clinch the title.
| Tournament Achievement | Years |
| NCAA Tournament Champions | 1947 |
| NCAA Tournament Final Four | 1947, 1948 |
| NCAA Tournament Elite Eight | 1947, 1948, 1950, 1953 |
When did Holy Cross win the College Basketball Championship?
In 1947, Holy Cross made history by winning the NCAA tournament championship. They finished the season with an impressive 23 straight wins, becoming the first college from New England and Massachusetts to claim a national college basketball title. The team was celebrated with a parade in Worcester, Massachusetts, drawing 35,000 spectators.
Holy Cross College Basketball Championship appearances: How many College Basketball Championship appearances do the Holy Cross have?
Holy Cross has appeared in the NCAA tournament 13 times. Although their overall record is 8–13, they were triumphant in winning the national championship in 1947.
| Year | Seed | Round | Opponent | Result |
| 1947 | Elite Eight | Navy | W 55–47 | |
| Final Four | CCNY | W 60–45 | ||
| National Championship Game | Oklahoma | W 58–47 | ||
| 1948 | Elite Eight | Michigan | W 63–45 | |
| Final Four | Kentucky | L 52–60 | ||
| National 3rd Place Game | Kansas State | W 60–54 | ||
| 1950 | Elite Eight | NC State | L 74–87 | |
| Regional 3rd Place Game | Ohio State | L 52–72 | ||
| 1953 | Round of 22 | Navy | W 87–74 | |
| Sweet Sixteen | Wake Forest | W 79–71 | ||
| Elite Eight | LSU | L 73–81 | ||
| 1956 | Round of 25 | Temple | L 72–74 | |
| 1977 | Round of 32 | Michigan | L 81–86 | |
| 1980 | #11 | Round of 48 | #6 Iona | L 78–84 |
| 1993 | #13 | Round of 64 | #4 Arkansas | L 64–94 |
| 2001 | #15 | Round of 64 | #2 Kentucky | L 68–72 |
| 2002 | #16 | Round of 64 | #1 Kansas | L 59–70 |
| 2003 | #14 | Round of 64 | #3 Marquette | L 68–72 |
| 2007 | #13 | Round of 64 | #4 Southern Illinois | L 51–61 |
| 2016 | #16 | First Four | #16 Southern | W 59–55 |
| 2016 | #16 | Round of 64 | #1 Oregon | L 52–91 |
When did Holy Cross last appear in the College Basketball Championship?
The last time Holy Cross participated in the NCAA tournament was in 2016. They faced Oregon in the Round of 64 as a #16 seed.
Holy Cross Conferences Wins
Over the years, Holy Cross has clinched several conference championships. They won the ECAC tournament in 1977 and 1980 and the Patriot League tournament in 1993, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2007, and 2016. Additionally, they claimed regular-season titles in the MAAC in 1990 and in the Patriot League in 1994, 2001, 2003, 2005, and 2007.
FAQ's On Holy Cross College Basketball Championships
A. The College of the Holy Cross is located in Worcester, Massachusetts.
A. Holy Cross competes in NCAA Division I and has competed in conferences like the ECAC, MAAC, and Patriot League.
A. Holy Cross has won one NCAA tournament championship, achieved in 1947.
A. Doggie Julian coached the Holy Cross team when they won the NCAA championship in 1947.
A. Holy Cross has appeared in the NCAA tournament 13 times.
