DUE WEST, S.C.- Hot shooting from the Royals proved to be too much for the Fleet as they defeated Erskine College 76-72 today in Due West, S.C.  Queens University of Charlotte finishes the regular season 13-14 overall and 10-10 in conference. The Fleet end the season 11-16 overall and 8-12 in conference

The Royals sprinted out to an eleven point lead (13-2) on three consecutive three point baskets by Devon Seaford (Charlotte, N.C., Hope Christian Academy) early in the first half.  The Fleet responded with their own 12 to one run tying the game at 14 a piece on two baskets by senior Victor Street midway through the first half.  The Royals turned their intensity back on using the rest of the half to rebuild their lead back to double-digits and led 40-27 at halftime.  Queens shot an amazing 75% from the floor, including 9 of 12 from behind the arc, in the first half.

Queens maintained their double-digit lead through the second half until Erskine scored three consecutive three-point shots within a minute to cut the lead to five points (57-62).  Over the last three minutes of the game, the Fleet closed within one point on three occassions but the Royals held them off.  Sean Eads (Greenville, S.C., Eastside) and Andre Lockhart (St. James, Barbados, Coleridge and Pany) converted on three of the last four free throws as time expired to secure the 76-72 victory.

For the game, Queens shot an impressive 62% (26 of 42), including 59% (13 of 22) from three-point range.  The Fleet shot 43% (24 of 56) from the field, including 45% (13 of 29) from long-range. 

Daniel Bailey (Irmo, S.C., Hammond ) led the Royals with18 points. Reggie Hopkins (Gastonia, N.C., Ashbrook) and Seaford scored 17 apiece as well. Bailey also led Queens with five rebounds.

Leading the Fleet was senior Brandon Wright with a game-high 24 points.  Seniors Victor Street and Jay Boulware also contributed 16 and 14 points respectively. 

Information on who the Royals will be playing in the Conference Carolinas Tournament will be posted soon.