Box Score MARS HILL, N.C. – The Royals returned to the court today for the first time since last Saturday due to Weather Storm Pax. They traveled to face Mars Hill University (3-14), falling 83-78 to the Lions. Queens University of Charlotte (11-10) now sits at 9-8 in the South Atlantic Conference, while Mars Hill improves to 5-17 in the league.
 
Four Royals reached double-figures in scoring with senior forward Josh Clyburn leading the way with 14 points. Clyburn also notched five blocks. Freshman forward Jared Hendryx scored 13 points, while senior guard Jarrett Stokes and senior forward Brent Evans each added 11 points. Senior wingman David Mason totaled nine points, eight rebounds and four assists.
 
After getting on the board first, the Royals found themselves trailing the Lions following a pair of free-throws from Isaiah Cuthbertson at 15:57. Queens would play from behind until Mason knocked down a layup at 4:35 to give the Royals a 33-32 lead. Another lay-in from the senior would cap the 12-2 run for Queens. They would keep the lead into the halftime break.
 
Queens couldn't quite put the Lions away early in the second half as Mars Hill tied things up with a three-pointer from Devonte Williams at 14:28. Mars Hill then took the control of the lead on their next possession with a fastbreak layup from Williams. Evans answered for the Royals equalizing the game at 57-57 following a series of turnovers, but another turnover from the Royals allowed the Lions to score an easy two to take control once more.
 
With 3:24 to play, a three-pointer from Logan Evans cut Queens' deficit to one, 71-70, but Mars Hill's Carter Wright answered with a three of his own to increase his team's lead back out to four. They would lead by as much as eight before the final horn sounded.
 
The Royals edged the Lions on the boards, 38-37, and outscored Mars Hill 48-42 in the paint. The difference in the game came in ball-handling mishaps. Queens committed 14 turnovers and the Lions converted those misfortunes into 17 points.
 
Williams finished with 27 points and 10 rebounds to lead Mars Hill. Wright scored 22 points and Cuthbertson added 19 points.
 
Queens is back in action in Curry Arena on Monday against Wingate University at 8 p.m.