GREENEVILLE, TENN. - The Queens University of Charlotte men's basketball team (14-3, 10-3 SAC) picked up a critical South Atlantic Conference victory over Tusculum University (11-5, 11-3 SAC), 88-85, in a thrilling overtime win between two of the top teams in the South Atlantic Conference. With the victory, the Royals split the regular season series with the Pioneers and keep pace at the top of the South Atlantic Conference. Queens is now 18-3 all-time against Tusculum and the Royals are winners in seven of their last eight games this season.

The Pioneers started off hot, as they used their stifling defense to gain an early 12-2 advantage with 15:41 remaining in the first half. The Royals would quickly storm back, using a 9-2 run to cut the deficit to 14-11 with 12:41 to play in the first half. The Royals would take their first lead of the night, 18-16, on a Josh Dilling floater with 8:57 remaining in the opening half.

The rest of the half saw the visiting Royals and the Pioneers in a back-and-forth battle. With a slim 31-28 lead with 3:10 remaining in the first half, the Royals would amp up the defensive pressure to extend their lead to 38-29 with 56 seconds remaining in the first half. A three-pointer by the Pioneers cut the Royals lead to 38-32 heading into the half.

The Royal would outscore the Pioneers 11-7 in the first four minutes of the second half, to take a 49-39 lead with 16:01 to play. The Pioneers would quickly storm back, using a 7-0 run to trim the Royals lead to 49-46 with 14:20 to play.

With the game tied 60-60, the Royals used their swarming defense to go on a 10-2 run to take a 70-62 with 5:14 to play. The Pioneers would not be denied, however, as they went on a 12-4 run of their own to tie the game 74-74 with 1:10 to play. In the final minute, the Royals and Pioneers would each go 1-of-2 from the foul line and get two key stops, as the game went to overtime tied 75-75.

In the Royals first overtime battled since Feb. 8 of last season, both squads exchanged points in a back-and-forth start. There was a lead change or a tie seven different times throughout the period. After a three-pointer from Kenny Dye to take an 83-82 lead with 1:48 to play, the Royals tightened their defensive pressure as the Pioneers struggled to find the bottom of the net.

The Royals extended their lead to 86-82 on some key free throws before Tusculum hit a three-pointer with 2 seconds remaining to cut the deficit to 86-85. Two clutch free throws from Dye and a three-quarter court heave falling short for the Pioneers sealed the thrilling win for the Royals, 88-85.

Kenny Dye remained the usual steady presence he has been all season long for the Royals, as he led the team tying his season-best with 24 points. Jamari Smith was dominant, as he scored 19 points and corralled a team-leading 12 rebounds to secure his eighth career double-double, and third this season. Gavin Rains maintained his dominance on the board securing 10 rebounds of his own, as the Royals outrebounded the Pioneers 49-42 on the night. Quan McCluney used a 4-for-8 three-point shooting night to tally 18 points on the evening.

The Royals shot an efficient 48-percent from the field and 42-percent from deep, while holding the Pioneers to just 37-percent from the field and 34-percent from deep. The Royals were dominant in the paint, as they managed 36 points in the paint while holding the Pioneers to just 24.

The Royals will look to build upon the impressive victory this Saturday, Jan. 22 when they welcome Mars Hill University inside Curry Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. and fans can follow the action live 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.
 
The Queens University of Charlotte Department of Athletics has announced updates to its fan attendance policy for upcoming home athletic events due to the current rise in COVID-19 cases locally, statewide, and nationally. For the immediate future, Queens Athletics events will not be open to the general public.  Only individuals whose names are on the player/guest pass list will be admitted. Guest from visiting teams should work through their respective institutions to ensure that they are able to attend.  Additionally, social distancing and face coverings are required at all times.  Gates will open 30 minutes prior to the start of the scheduled event.  No tailgating is allowed on the premises.  This new policy will go into effect on Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2022.
 
Queens Athletics will continue to stream as many home events as possible on the Queens Sports Network. To keep up with the Royals from home, stream games live on your computer or mobile devices by visiting www.queensathletic.com or downloading the Queens Royals app. 

Additionally, fans can download the Queens Athletics app on their Roku, Apple TV, or Amazon Fire TV devices.  Just type Queens University or Queens University Athletics into the search bar. Fans are also encouraged to follow Queens Athletics on all social media platforms by searching @QueensAthletics for updates.