CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The No. 16/22 Queens University of Charlotte men's basketball team (15-3, 11-3 SAC) scored a dominating victory over Mars Hill University (4-11, 4-8 SAC), 100-52, inside Curry Arena on Saturday afternoon. It is the Royals fourth time reaching the century mark on the season and Queens has won seven of their last eight contests. With the victory, the Royals complete the regular season sweep of Mars Hill and improve to 17-5 all-time against the Lions.

The game began as a back-and-forth affair, as the defenses for both the visiting Lions and the Royals were strong to start. After a Mars Hill three pointer cut the Queens lead to 14-11, the Royals went on a 6-0 run to extend their lead to 20-11 with 11:21 to play in the first half. The two ballclubs would trade baskets before the Lions went on a 5-0 run to cut the Royals deficit to 25-20 with 6 minutes to play in the first half.

However, the Royals would amp up the defensive pressure to outscore the Lions 13-7 over the remainder of the first half to take a 38-27 lead into the halftime break. This season, the Royals are a perfect 13-0 when leading their opponents at the intermission.

The Royals would remain hot to start the second half, outscoring the Lions 11-5 in the first four minutes of the half to take a commanding 49-32 lead with 16:23 to play. Queens maintained their relentless pressure going on another huge run to take a smothering 66-39 lead with 11:27 to play.

The Royals defensive pressure would prove to be too much for the Lions, as they continued to build their lead. Over the next 11 minutes, the Lions could only muster 13 points. The Royals would lead by as much as 51, before a final three-pointer from the Lions secured a dominant 100-52 Royals victory.

Jamari Smith, BJ McLaurin, Jay'Den Turner, Trey Hubbard and Josh Dilling all scored in double figures for the Royals. Smith led Queens with 19 points, as well as a team-high 12 rebounds for his ninth career double-double and fourth this season. Jay'Den Turner also had a double-double as he totaled 12 points and 11 rebounds. Turner has been very successful against the Lions this season as the sophomore recorded a double-double in their first meeting back on Dec. 4. Rounding out the Royals highlights was Kenny Dye leading the team with 5 assists and Mike Fowler provided valuable minutes off the bench scoring 9 points on the night.

Queens shot an efficient 48% from the field, as well as an impressive 37% from deep. The Royals defense was stifling on the night, as they forced 19 Lions turnovers which they converted into 26 points off turnovers. The Royals bench was huge in the victory, as they combined for 45 total points.

The Royals return to action this Monday night, January 24^th, as they travel to face Limestone University at Timken Arena in Gaffney, S.C. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00pm. This is a makeup date from the original schedule due to COVID-19 protocols. Be sure to follow the men's basketball program on Twitter  and Instagram to stay up to date with all the news surrounding the program. Fans are also encouraged to follow Queens Athletics on social media @QueensAthletics to stay up to date with all of Queens Athletics.