CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The Queens University of Charlotte men's basketball team (11-2, 7-2 SAC) closed out 2021 by defeating Johnson & Wales University (3-5, 2-1), 104-74, inside Curry Arena on Monday night. The win marks the Royals fourth straight win and the second largest margin of victory this season.

The Royals got off to a fast start against the Wildcats, as they used an efficient opening on the offensive end to jump out to a 10-2 lead in the first three minutes of the game. After the Wildcats began to claw back into the game, the Royals used a 6-2 run to extend their lead to 18-8 with 11:55 to play at the media timeout.

The lead for the Royals never decreased below double digits the rest of the way. Queens would continue to build their lead the rest of the first half, leading by as much as 22 with a 39-17 lead. The Wildcats would go on a quick 9-0 run to cut the deficit to 39-26 with 2:08 left in the half. The Royals quickly re-found their footing on offense, ending the half on an 8-2 run to take a 47-28 lead into the break.

In the second half, the crosstown competitors traded baskets early, as the Royals led 65-45 with 13:38 to play. The Wildcats would then get hot on the offensive end, using a 7-0 run over the next minute to quickly cut the deficit to 65-52 with 12:24 to play. However, the Royals would not let the game get any closer as they outscored the Wildcats 24-8 over the next 6 minutes to take an 89-60 lead with 6:42 to play.

The Royals would keep a lead of 25 or more the rest of the way, as they defeated the Wildcats, 104-74.

Gavin Rains led all Royals with a season-high 19 points, as well as a team-leading 12 rebounds giving him a double-double on the night. AJ McKee was on fire on the offensive end, scoring 18 points, as he buried four from deep. Kenny Dye mailed in a double-double of his own, having 15 points and 11 assists, as well as an impressive 6 rebounds. The Royals got key production from BJ McLaurin off the bench as he scored 10 points and hauled in 6 rebounds. Queens was able to show their depth as a team seeing 13 guys record a basket, including double figures from four Royals. The Queens bench notched 41 points on the evening.

The Royals shot an efficient 50% from the field while holding the Wildcats to just 43% on the offensive end. The Royals were pesky on the defensive end, forcing 21 turnovers and converting them with 27 points. The Royals were dominant on the boards, outrebounding the Wildcats 54-31 and 23-9 on offensive rebounds. The Royals were selfless on the offensive end, having an impressive 21 assists on the night.

After a two-week break, the Royals return to action on Wednesday, January 5^th against Lenoir-Rhyne University at Curry Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30pm and the game will be broadcast on the Queens Sports Network. Be sure to follow the Royals men's basketball program on Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date on all the latest news and updates surrounding the team. Fans are also encouraged to follow Queens Athletics on social media @QueensAthletics to follow all of the Royals sports in action.