CHARLOTTE, N.C.- The Queens University of Charlotte women's basketball team (10-9/9-5CC) took on Conference Carolinas top team, Barton College (13-5/12-1 CC), in Wilson, N.C. and battled toe-to-toe with the Bulldogs. In the end a 15-7 run in the last six and a half minutes of the contest gave the host school an 80-71 victory.

Queens opened the game with a 9-2 run, but Barton fought back and tied the contest at 11-all.  The game's pace slowed and Queens was able to take the advantage back before the teams played hot potato with the lead. Barton ended up on top at the end of the half 39-37. The first half featured seven lead changes and five ties.

The opening Royals run from the first half flopped to Barton as they outscored Queens 10-6 to start the half. Ashley McGuirt (Indian Trail, N.C., Providence Day) scored the six Royals points with two three-pointers. Barton held the lead until the midway point when a Marissa Hudley (Charlotte, N.C., Harding University) field goal gave Queens a one point lead, 60-59. The lead would change three times with Barton coming out ahead by one point with 6:33 to play.

In the remaining time, Queens connected on two baskets from the floor while hitting three of four free throws. Barton made four from the floor and the remaining points came in the form of freebies.

Hudley led all scorers with 22 points and rebounders with eight. This is the seventh consecutive game where Hudley has led the Royals in scoring and fourth contest to pull down the most Queens boards. On the defensive end she registered three blocked shots and one steal. Jacquia Winstead (Elm City, N.C., Beddingfield) put up her season best offensive effort with 13 points. McGuirt scored 12 points, all from three-point baskets.

Etsy Flores scored 21 for Barton and Jamila Johnson added 18. Flores is currently the league's leading scorer in conference play.

Queens doled out Barton's only conference loss on Jan. 7 at the Oven. The Royals defeated Barton 74-72.