CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The Queens University of Charlotte men's basketball team (20-3, 16-3) used a strong second half to notch their seventh straight victory in the South Atlantic Conference, as they defeated Carson Newman University (14-9, 11-8 SAC), 74-50, inside Curry Arena. The Royals sweep the season series with the Eagles, moving to 18-4 in the all-time series.
 
Both the Eagles and Royals struggled to find the bottom of the net early, as strong defensive play on both sides kept the offenses at bay. Trailing 11-7 with 12:46 to play in the first half, the Royals ramped up the defensive intensity and crashed the glass with ferocity to go on a 19-3 run to take a 26-14 lead with 5:29 to play in half one.
 
After the two sides traded baskets, a made three-pointer and a layup extended the lead to the biggest of the half for the Royals, 33-19 with 3:36 to play. However, the Eagles would not go away quietly. They attacked the glass hard, getting to the free throw line four times in the final three minutes and amped up the defensive pressure to end the half on a 10-2 run. The Eagles would cut the deficit to six, as the Royals took a 35-29 lead into the half.
 
The Royals come out on fire in the second half, as they hit two three pointers on back-to-back possessions to start the half. After a made layup by the Eagles, the Royals would go on a 12-0 run, playing swarming defense to take a commanding 53-31 lead with 13:21 to play. The fast start set the tone for the rest of the game, as the Royals never trailed by less than 20 the rest of the way. The Royals had an answer to each potential Eagle run as they outscored the visitors 39-21 in the final 20 minutes.
 
Jamari Smith was dominant in the victory, as he led the Royals with 20 points and 12 rebounds as he gets his seventh double-double on the season. BJ McLaurin was crucial for the Royals off the bench, scoring 10 points and grabbing 8 rebounds. Quan McCluney totaled 11 points on the night and Kalib Matthews led the Royals with four assists off the bench.
 
The Royals defense was relentless all night, as they held the Eagles to 34-percent from the field and 16-percent from the three-point line while forcing 13 turnovers. The Royals were dominant on the glass, as they outrebounded the Eagles 40-33, including 17 offensive rebounds while holding the Eagles to 4 total offensive rebounds. The Royals played unselfish, clean basketball as they totaled 16 assists with only 7 total turnovers.
 
The Royals return to action this Wednesday night, February 9^th, as they travel down to Coker University for another SAC affair inside Harris E. & Louise H. Deloach Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30pm. 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.