CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The No. 14/18 Queens University of Charlotte men's basketball team (17-3, 13-3 SAC) picked up their fourth straight conference win as they topped Newberry College (9-8, 9-6 SAC), 76-61, inside Curry Arena on Wednesday night. With the win, the Royals have won nine of their last ten contests and split the season series with the Wolves while keeping their share of first place in the South Atlantic Conference.

The Wolves used strong defensive play to jump out to an early 11-4 lead before the Royals would use a 6-0 run to cut the Wolves lead to 11-10 with 13:48 remaining in the first half. The two teams would trade baskets before the Wolves went on a 6-0 run, as they amped up their defensive pressure once again, to take a 25-19 lead with 6:36 remaining in the first half.

However, the Royals would catch fire on the offensive end and play shutdown defense the rest of the half. The Royals outscored the visiting Wolves 15-3 the remainder of the first half to take a 34-28 lead into the break.

To start the second half, the Wolves and Royals found themselves in a back-and-forth battle as each side would respond to the other team's move. With a 46-41 lead in the second half, Queens would storm to a 15-5 run to extend their lead to 61-46 with 8:22 to play. The Royals would remain in control the rest of the way, as they staved off the Wolves comeback attempts. The Royals maintained a 15 point lead the rest of the way, as they defeated the Wolves 76-61.

Five Royals reached double digit scoring as Jamari Smith and Jay'Den Turner notched  a pair of double-doubles on the night. The double-doubles are the second time this season that Smith and Turner have both recorded the feature in the same night, as they both earned one on Jan. 22 in the victory over Mars Hill. Jamari Smith had a team-leading 17 points and 11 rebounds Jay'Den Turner tallied 12 points and 10 rebounds on the night. Josh Dilling was crucial for the Royals off the bench, as he scored a season-high 15 points on an efficient 5-for-9 from the field. The Royals bench scored 32 total points on the night. Kenny Dye and AJ McKee both led the team in assists with three apiece.

The Royals defense overwhelmed the visiting Wolves, as they held them to just 42% from the field. The Royals also forced 12 Wolves turnovers on the night and converted those turnovers into 19 points off turnovers. The Royals were dominant on the glass, as they outrebounded the Wolves 41-27. The Royals remained one of the nation's best offensive rebounding teams, as they totaled 16 on the night, including nine from Jay'Den Turner.

The Royals will hit the road for a pair away games beginning next Monday, January 31^st as they travel to face UVA Wise inside David J Prior Convocation Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 5pm. Be sure to follow the men's basketball program on Instagram and Twitter. 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.