WISE, VA. - The No. 14/18 Queens University of Charlotte men's basketball team (18-3, 14-3 SAC) picked up their fifth straight South Atlantic Conference matchup with a commanding 99-67 victory over UVA-Wise University (1-18, 0-15 SAC) inside David J. Prior Convocation Center on Monday night. The Royals have won ten of their last eleven games as they close out January with a 7-1 record sitting at the top of the league standings with just seven games remaining.
 
In the early stages of the game, both teams found themselves locked in a back-and-forth battle. The game was either tied or there was a lead change five times in the first ten minutes of the ballgame. With a 19-16 lead halfway through the first half, the Royals amped up the defensive pressure forcing seven turnovers to go on a 16-5 run to extend their lead to 35-19 with 3:38 remaining in the first half. After both teams traded baskets, the Royals closed the half on a 7-0 run to take a 49-26 halftime lead.
 
Despite the intermission, Queens would stay hot in the second half, as they would go on a quick 9-2 run to take a dominant 58-28 lead with 17:27 to play. Over the next few minutes, the Cavaliers and Royals would go back-and-forth, as the home team tried to inch their way back in the game. However, the Royals would answer each Cavaliers run. With an 84-60 lead with 4:31 to play, the Royals would outscore the Cavaliers 15-7 the rest of the way as they got a convincing 99-67 victory over the Cavaliers. The Royals maintained a 23-point lead for the entire second half as they improved to 16-0 in games that they lead at the halftime break.
 
The evening was highlighted by Jamari Smith as the sophomore became the 20^th player in program history to reach 1,000 career points. Smith joins fellow veteran Kenny Dye as both leaders have reached the mark this season. The three-time SAC Player of the Week and 2022 Bevo Francis Top 100 Watch List honoree recorded 16 points, a pair of rebounds, and a block.
 
Jay'Den Turner was dominant for the Royals, as he totaled 13 points and a team-high 14 rebounds to secure his second straight double-double. BJ McLaurin led the Royals in points with a season-high 18 on an efficient 9-of-10 shooting from the field. Kenny Dye was the usual steady presence for the Royals, as he totaled 16 points, five rebounds and a team-leading five assists.
 
The Royals shot an efficient 55-percent from the field, while their strong defensive performance held the Cavaliers to 39-percent from the field. The Royals defense overwhelmed the Cavaliers offense, as they forced 20 turnovers which they converted into 26 points off turnovers. The Royals bench was crucial as they combined for 42 points on the night. The Royals dominated the paint, as they scored 66 points from the inside while holding the Cavaliers to just 30 points in the paints.

Queens will return to action this Wednesday night, February 2^nd when they travel to Catawba College for another South Atlantic Conference affair inside the Julius W. Abernethy Physical Education Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. from Salisbury. 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.