GAFFNEY, S.C. - The No. 16/22 Queens University of Charlotte men's basketball team (16 –3, 12-3 SAC) picked up their third consecutive win Monday night defeating Limestone University (6-10, 4-9 SAC) in a South Atlantic Conference affair, 80-71, inside Timken Arena. With the victory, the Royals have won eight of their last nine contests as they remain atop the South Atlantic Conference standings. The win marked the Royals third straight over the Saints as they improved to 26-10 all-time against Limestone.

After the Saints jumped out to a 5-0 lead, the visiting Royals stormed ahead using an 8-1 run to take an 8-6 lead five minutes into the opening half. After a Limestone three-pointer, Queens cranked up their defensive pressure and proceeded to go on a 9-2 run to take a 17-11 lead.

The game would remain back-and-forth as each team would continue to trade baskets. The Royals would lead by as much as nine, 29-20, but the Saints would continue to respond to the Royals attempts to extend their lead. Limestone would go on a mini 5-0 push to cut the Royals lead to 31-30 with 37 seconds remaining in the first half. However, the visiting Royals would get five quick points as a Kalib Matthews three-pointer at the end of the half gave the Royals a 36-30 halftime lead. Looking at the numbers this season, Queens improved to a perfect 14-0 when taking a lead into the halftime break.

The second half opened with a three-pointer and a pair of free throws by the hosting Saints which cut the deficit to one. However, the Royals would again amplify their relentless defense to go on a 10-0 run to take a 46-35 lead with 14:20 to play. After a made three-pointer by the Saints stopped the Royals run, the game remained back-and-forth as the Saints would not go away. However, the Royals would stave off the comeback attempts of the Saints and never trail by less than 10 the rest of the way as they defeated the Saints, 80-71.

Coming off his third South Atlantic Conference Player of the Week honors, sophomore Jamari Smith led the Royals with 23 points. The Royals leading scorer has reached double figures in all but two games this season. Quan McCluney was crucial on the glass for the Royals, leading the team with eight rebounds. Kenny Dye was the usual steady presence for the Royals, as he had 17 points and a pair of steals on the night. Making his second career start for Queens, BJ McLaurin was a reliable interior presence for the Royals, scoring 10 points and corralling six rebounds. AJ McKee would add 11 points on the night, while shooting 2-for-3 from three-point range.

Despite a slow start shooting, the Royals managed to drain an efficient 49-percent from the field and 43-percent from three-point range. The Royals overwhelming defensive pressure held the Saints to 39-percent from the field on the night. Queens was ferocious on the glass, winning the rebounding battle 38-32. The Royals were active in the passing lanes, forcing 12 turnovers, including seven steals as a team on the night.

The Royals will return to action this Wednesday night, January 26^th, against Newberry College inside Curry Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. and the game will be broadcasted 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. Guests 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 went 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.