OPENING TIP
Score: Queens 73 | South Carolina State 57
Records: Queens (3-3) | South Carolina State (1-6)
Location: Curry Arena (Charlotte, N.C.)
THE SHORT STORY
The Royals women's basketball team (3-3) displayed an outstanding all-around performance to defeat South Carolina State (1-6) 73-57 at Curry Arena on Tuesday night. Queens saw significant contributions across the board, led by Ana Barreto's sharp shooting. The Royals now take a 2-1 lead in the series history against the Bulldogs.
FROM COACH BROWN
"I can't say enough about our defensive efforts. We had a great week of preparation. This group is learning and growing together."
BY THE NUMBERS
- Ana Barreto tallied 14 points, including four three-pointers, to spearhead the Royals' offensive surge. Barreto continued her hot streak, tallying her second straight double figure scoring performance. Barreto has gone 9-of-16 shooting from behind the arc in the last two games.
- Forward Jordyn Weaver continued her scoring streak to six straight games in double figures. Weaver dominated the boards, pulling down nine rebounds to go along with 10 points and two assists.
- Aylesha Wade added 12 points and showcased her versatility with five assists and three steals.
- Jermany Mapp provided a spark off the bench, tallying 13 points on 5-of-10 shooting, including three three-pointers, while adding 3 rebounds.
- Kemia Ward's physical presence in the post helped Queens establish rebounding dominance. Ward finished with seven rebounds, while Magda Freire pulled down six boards of her own. The Royals held a 44-27 rebound advantage over South Carolina State.
NOTABLE MOMENTS
- The Royals set the tone early, jumping to a 15-8 lead after the first quarter. Their defense stifled the Bulldogs, holding them to just 30.8 percent shooting from the field in the opening period. Queens extended their advantage in the second quarter with a balanced offensive attack, taking a commanding 34-19 lead into halftime.
- Despite a solid third quarter in which the Bulldogs trimmed the deficit to single digits momentarily, Queens responded with a 10-0 run to stretch their lead to 26 points, the largest margin of the game. Queens maintained their composure in the final period, sealing their second straight victory.
INSIDE THE BOXSCORE
- The Royals defense was key, forcing 18 turnovers and converting them into 26 points. Queens also capitalized on fast-break opportunities, scoring 18 points in transition, while the bench chipped in with 23 points.
- Queens shot an impressive 50 percent from beyond the arc and 75 percent from the free-throw line, efficiently closing out the contest.
- Queens made a season high of 10 three-pointers against the Bulldogs. The Royals out shot South Carolina State 10-3 from behind the arc.
- This victory was highlighted by the Royals cohesive team play, with 16 assists emphasizing their unselfish ball movement.
FROM JERMANY MAPP
"Coming off a win on the road we felt good coming into this game. We focused a lot on following the game plan & we played some great team ball tonight. It wasn't just a one man show, everyone contributed, that was a big part in our success."
NEXT UP
The Royals will now take advantage of a couple days of rest, before making a trip to Clinton, S.C. to take on Presbyterian College on Monday, Dec. 2. Presbyterian holds a 2-0 advantage in the series history, most recently with a 60-68 victory last season in Curry Arena. Tipoff in the Templeton Center is set for 6 PM.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Be sure to follow Queens Women's Basketball on Twitter and Instagram for news and updates throughout the season. Fans are also encouraged to follow Queens Athletics on social media to stay up to date on all the Royals sports in action.
