CHARLOTTE, N.C.  –  The Queens University of Charlotte women's basketball team fell 58-41 at home to Tusculum University this afternoon bringing their overall record to 8-13 on the year and their South Atlantic Conference record to 3-12. The Pioneers improve to 16-6 and 8-6 after completing the home-and-home series sweep of the Royals.
 
After closing the opening half down by just two points, 30-28, the Royals struggled offensively throughout the second allowing the Pioneers to increase their lead to as much as 19 before the final horn sounded.
 
Jaleah Goff led the Royals with 13 points while also grabbing eight rebounds and totaling four steals. Kristian Eanes added 10 points. Lade Adepoju led under the glass pulling down 13 rebounds to go along with a team-leading six assists. Lauren Fields recorded a career-high seven blocks.
 
The Royals started today's game hot opening with a 57-percent clip to grab a 12-5 lead at 4:24 thanks to 9-0 run. However, the Pioneers responded with a 13-5 push to close the period in front 18-15.
 
Queens then pulled within one on three occasions in the second quarter before taking a one-point lead, 26-25, on an Eanes fast-break layup with 2:49 to play in the half. A three-pointer from Tusculum's Jalia Arnwine soon returned control of the game to the Pioneers and they went on to take the 30-28 lead into the break.
 
Despite Queens opening the second half shooting 50-percent from the floor, the Pioneers still held a two-point lead, 37-35, at the 4:50 media in the third quarter. They then put together a 7-2 spurt to close the period taking a 44-37 lead into the final 10 minutes of action where they saw their largest lead of the night when a layup from Kendrea Duke gave them a 58-39 advantage with 1:52 left in regulation.
 
The Royals shot 36.2-percent from the floor today as Tusculum's recorded a 34.8 shooting percentage. However, Queens would shoot 28.57-percent in the second half. However, Queens won the battle under the glass pulling down 43 boards to Tusculum's 37 rebounds.
 
Tusculum was led by Duke who totaled 18 points and 11 rebounds. Yolizma Cupidan added 13 points and six rebounds while Mia Long totaled 11 points.
 
Queens will be back at home in search of a league win on Wednesday, February 13 when they welcome Newberry College to Curry Arena. The Royals nearly pulled off an upset over then-ranked No. 25 Newberry on the road in early January falling 89-82. Ceara Leavai led the Royals' effort with 20 points while Jaymi Golden added 19 points. Herning Wang, Adepoju, and Eanes also reached double-figures in the loss. Wednesday's tip is scheduled for 6 p.m.