CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Junior Daniel Bailey (Irmo, S.C., Hammond ) led all scorers with 16 points to become the 11th player in Queens University of Charlotte history to score 1,000 points in the Royals' 60-45 victory over Conference Carolinas foe Erskine College (0-3, 0-7) Monday night in Ovens Athletics Center. The win is Queens' (2-0, 6-4) fifth in row, the longest streak of Wes Long's three-year tenure as head coach of the Royals.

Immediately following the game, Long acknowledged the strong effort made by the opposition. 

“First, we should give credit to Erskine for making it a tough, grind-it-out affair,” said Long. “I thought we struggled to adjust to their defensive style, but we made some changes at the half which helped.”

Beginning the game just nine shy of 1,000 career points, Bailey and the Royals came out in a haze, combining to shoot 0-11 from the field. With over 12 minutes remaining, big man Brent Evans sunk a three pointer to put the Royals up 7-3. As the offense continued to struggle, their effort of defense allowed the Royals to take a 25-24 lead into halftime.

“As we struggled offensively, our defensive energy and focus led the way, and that's who we are and want to be. So that is always pleasing to see,” said Long.

Just 21 seconds out of the break, the Flying Fleet's Filip Pejovic sunk a two-point jumper to take a one-point lead. Evans responded with a layup on the next possession to regain the lead. The Royals would maintain a small lead through the next 11 minutes before Brandon Nichols (Fayetteville, N.C., Jack Britt) found Bailey for an easy deuce and the first double-digit lead of the game at 47-37 with 9:05 remaining.

“Brent and Daniel were energetic in the second half, and both finished some important buckets in the paint – which was critical on a night when we didn't shoot it particularly well,” said Long.

The strong-willed Royals defense forced 10 Erskine turnovers while holding them to just .385 from the field in the second half, including one-of-nine from deep en route to the 15-point victory.

Long expressed his excitement about Bailey passing Darnell Evans to move into 10th on Queens' all-time scoring list.

“We're happy for Dan's accomplishment and I hope that there's much more to come,” said a proud Long.

Working on a career-long five-game win streak, Long is already focused on preparing for the Royals' matchup at Lees-McRae College on Thursday.

“A five-game winning streak is nice, and now our objective is to make it six. That's what we'll be focused on tomorrow."