HICKORY, N.C. – The Queens University of Charlotte women's basketball team opened South Atlantic Conference play on Wednesday night, falling 64-51 to Lenoir-Rhyne University inside Shuford Gymnasium.
 
The Royals (3-2, 0-1 SAC) led 17-16 after the first 10 minutes of action behind 13 first-quarter points from senior Lade Adepoju. However, the Bears (4-3, 1-1 SAC) outscored Queens by six points in the second period leading a 34-29 advantage at the half.
 
Queens kept the game close throughout the third quarter until a quick 5-0 spurt from Lenoir-Rhyne put the Bears ahead by eight after three quarters. The Bears' lead extended to double-digits at 52-40 wit just under seven minutes to play, but sophomore Caitlyn Moore cut the deficit back to single digits with a three-pointer at the 5:24 mark of the fourth quarter.
 
Lenoir-Rhyne answered with a three-point of its own just one minute later, however, the Royals were able to cut the lead in half as freshman Jaleah Goff scored six unanswered points across a 1:20 stretch to keep Queens alive. The Bears hit 8-of-9 free throw attempts during the last three minutes of play to pull away and seal the home victory.
 
Adepoju registered her first double-double of the season with game-highs of 17 points and 13 rebounds, going a perfect 9-for-9 from the free throw line. Goff followed with 10 points and six rebounds of her own, while Moore finished with a career-high nine rebounds.
 
The Royals return to the friendly confines of Curry Arena on Saturday, December 1 when they host league foe Anderson University (S.C.) at 2 p.m.