Box Score GREENVILLE, S.C. - The No. 6/9 Queens University of Charlotte men's basketball team (28-3, 21-3 SAC) added another accomplishment to their incredible resume this season, as they defeated Carson Newman (20-11, 15-9 SAC) in the South Atlantic Conference Tournament Championship, to win their fifth conference tournament in school history. It is the program's first conference tournament title since 2017 and the second since joining the South Atlantic Conference. The victory also extended the Royals winning streak to an incredible 15 games which is the third longest streak in program history.
 
The Royals defense hounded the Eagles early on holding the Eagles to just four points in the first 10 minutes of the half while grabbing a 14-4 lead with 10:20 to play in half one. The Eagles would claw their way back into the game, cutting the Royals lead to 15-8. Queens would quickly respond, however, as a Quan McCluney three-pointer extended the Royals lead to 20-10, with 8:43 to play in the first frame.
 
The Royals' defensive intensity would be the story of the first half, as they maintained a double-digit lead for the rest of the half taking a 34-21 lead into the half. The 13-point advantage was in the Royals favor as Queens was a perfect 23-0 coming into the game when leading at the break. The Royals held the Eagles to just 26-percent from the field, forced 12 turnovers, and did not allow a single three-pointer from the Eagles in the first half.
 
The Royals would keep the pressure up to start the second half, going on a 7-2 run to extend their lead to 41-23 with 17:32 to play. Over the next few minutes, the Eagles would slowly decrease the Royals lead. A made jumper by the Eagles cut the Royals lead to 51-40 with 11:16 to play. The Royals would quickly respond with an 8-0 run to take a commanding 59-40 lead with 7:53 to play.
 
The Royals would maintain a comfortable advantage into the final minutes before the Eagles would go on a quick 7-0 run, to close the deficit to 62-54 with 1:45 to play. Carson-Newman would cut the Royals lead to as little as seven, 66-59, as the Royals struggled to close out the game at the line. However, a key defensive stop and a punctuating Mike Fowler dunk sealed the Royals fifth conference title, with a 69-59 win. With the win, the Royals snap a three-game losing streak in the conference championship game after making the finals in three of their last four seasons.
 
The South Atlantic Conference Player of the Year, Jamari Smith, led the Royals with 18 points, while also grabbing eight rebounds. First-team conference honoree Kenny Dye stuffed the stat sheet, scoring 16 points, hauling in six rebounds, and dishing out a team-high four assists. With his second assist on the night, Kenny Dye reached 500 career assists which is the second most in program history. Jay'Den Turner was dominant on the glass for the Royals, pulling down a team-leading 11 rebounds, while also adding eight points. Off the bench, Gavin Rains pulled down seven rebounds.
 
The Royals' defense kept the Eagles' offense at bay all night, holding them to just 35-percent from the field and 30-percent from behind the arc while forcing 18 Eagles turnovers. The Royals converted those turnovers into a crucial 16 points. The Royals maintained their dominance in the paint, outscoring the Eagles 32-24 in points in the paint.

For their outstanding performances in the Conference Tournament, Queens saw three Royals placed on the All-Tournament Team. Quan McCluney, Jamari Smith, and Kenny Dye were named to the All-Tournament Team, and Kenny Dye took home MVP for his efforts.
 
The Royals will find out their NCAA Tournament journey tonight, March 6 when the Selection Show airs at 10:30 p.m. ET. Fans should stay tuned to Queens Athletics for more information on the NCAA Tournament. Be sure to follow the men's basketball program on Twitter and Instagram. Fans are also encouraged to follow Queens Athletics on social media @QueensAthletics, to stay up to date with all of Queens Athletics.

2022 SAC Men's Basketball All-Tournament Team

Jordan Guest, Lincoln Memorial
Marcus Ford, Newberry
Tripp Davis, Carson-Newman
Bryant Thomas, Carson-Newman
Quan McCluney, Queens
Jamari Smith, Queens
Kenny Dye, Queens - MVP