GREENWOOD, S.C. – Queens University of Charlotte fell to the undefeated Lander University women's basketball team at the hands of a 26-0 run over a six-minute stretch of the first half. The Bearcats went on to a 94-73 non-conference victory Tuesday night at Horne Arena. The Royals fall to 1-4 overall and 0-1 in confernce play.
Shakaria Hamlin (Hartsville, S.C., Hartsville) led Queens with 20 points, Marissa Hudley (Charlotte, N.C., Harding University ) posted a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds, and Ashley McGuirt (Indian Trail, N.C., Providence Day) added 10 points.
After Hudley's layup pulled Queens within 8-6, the Lady Bearcats went on a tear. Shannon McKever started the 26-0 run with a basket in the paint, then Lander went on a run of fast-break baskets, starting with Brittni Johnson scoring off an assist from Mukia Myrick, followed by Myrick scoring off a pass from Johnson.
Tasheba Butler scored three baskets in a row, and Katie Hupp hit a 3-pointer to increase the lead to 23-6 at the 11:12 mark. Kami Phillips, Keondra Barnes and Lyons all scored to continue the streak, Lyons scored again, and Myrick hit a 3-pointer to complete the run, making it 34-6 with 9:06 left. Hamlin scored to end a six-plus minute scoreless streak for Queens.
The rest of the half was played more evenly with the Lady Bearcats outscoring Queens 18-17 the rest of the way as the hosts led 52-23 at the intermission.
Lander increased its lead to 35 points, 62-27, on a jumper by Lyons with 16:44 left. The largest lead of the game for the Lady Bearcats was 36, with Kaylyn Small's basket making it 68-32 at the 14-minute mark and Butler's free throws putting Lander up 71-35 with 13:13 to go.
Queens kept battling, pulling within 21 on three occasions late in the game.
The Lady Bearcats hit 39 of 65 shots from the floor (60 percent), 10 of 16 free throws (63 percent), and six of 10 from 3-point range (60 percent).
Queens made 28 of 65 shots from the floor (43 percent), 12 of 17 free throws (71 percent), and five of 17 from behind the arc (29 percent).
Queens had a 39-31 edge on the boards. Lander forced 26 turnovers and committed 19.
Five players scored in double figures for the Lady Bearcats (4-0), who shot 60 percent from the floor. Lyons led the way with 18 points, McKever scored 16, Butler 12, and Johnson and Myrick 10 apiece.
McKever added seven rebounds and four blocked shots for Lander, Myrick had seven assists and four steals, and Johnson added six assists and three steals.
