WASHINGTON � It only makes sense that the team representing the nation's capital in the NCAA tournament can play some pretty mean defense.

American is headed to the big show for the second year in a row, after suffocating Holy Cross in a 73-57 victory Friday in the championship game of the Patriot League tournament.

Tournament MVP Garrison Carr scored 24 points, launching momentum-swinging 3-pointers whenever his team needed them, but there was little doubt the Eagles (24-7) won because they didn't give conference rookie of the year R.J. Evans and the rest of the Crusaders (18-14) room to breathe.