OPENING TIP
Score: Queens 99 | Gardner-Webb 97 (3OT)
Records: Queens (6-5) | Gardner-Webb (3-9)
Location: Paul Porter Arena (Boiling Springs, N.C.) 

THE SHORT STORY
In a game that featured seven lead changes, pivotal bench contributions, and a dramatic comeback, Queens University (6-5 overall, 0-0 ASUN) edged out Gardner-Webb (3-9 overall, 0-0 Big South) in a triple-overtime marathon at Paul Porter Arena on Friday afternoon.
 
FROM COACH BROWN
"Tonight was a testament to the heart and resilience of this team. We faced and overcame adversity together. EVERYONE contributed to this win today. Winning in triple overtime takes a special level of grit. I couldn't be prouder of the toughness and composure our team showed down the stretch. This win speaks volumes about their character and their will to compete. We kept fighting, we kept believing, and we found a way!"

BY THE NUMBERS
- Forward Jordyn Weaver recorded her second double-double of the season with 26 points and 11 rebounds while shooting an efficient 9-of-20 from the field.

- Lisbon, Portugal native, Ana Barreto showcased her versatility with 21 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists, playing 49 minutes, setting new career-highs. Barreto's performance also marks her first career double-double.

- Dayuna Colvin contributed 16 points off the bench, including two mid-range jumpers and a layup in traffic, to keep Queens in the game.

- Queens shot 40.4 percent from the field (38-of-94), overcoming a rough 16.0 percent performance from beyond the arc (4-of-25).

- Tiziana Huici scored nine points in the second quarter, including a crucial layup at 2:18 to trim Gardner-Webb's lead seven before the halftime break.

- Jordyn Weaver, Ana Barreto, and Kemia Ward combined for 33 rebounds as the Royals dominated the glass finishing the game with 64 rebounds, including 30 offensive boards that led to 28 second-chance points. 

NOTABLE MOMENTS
Gardner-Webb led at halftime, 37-26, after a dominant first half. The Runnin' Bulldogs built the lead with 58 percent shooting from the field and perfect free-throw shooting (10-of-10) in the first quarter.

Queens chipped away at the lead, outscoring Gardner-Webb 18-14 in the third quarter. Ana Barreto's seven-point run helped narrow the gap.

With seconds left in regulation, Dayuna Colvin hit a contested layup to tie the game at 82, forcing overtime.

Queens regained the lead for the first time since early in the first quarter at the 7:01 mark in the third overtime (95-94).

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- The Royals earned their first overtime victory since the 2005 season. The win also marks the most non-conference wins to begin the seasons in program history. 

- Gardner-Webb lead for 40:55 minutes of game time compared to just 8:27 minutes for the Royals.

- Queens improved their defensive intensity and rebounding after halftime, holding Gardner-Webb to 40 percent shooting in the second half.

- The Royals out muscled Gardner-Webb in the post, scoring 58 points inside compared to 36 from the Runnin' Bulldogs.

- Queens' bench played a crucial role, scoring 32 points compared to Gardner-Webb's 25.

- Ashley Hawkins led all scorers with an impressive 47 points, setting a new program and Big South Conference record.

FROM ANA BARRETO
"It was a battle out there, three overtimes, every second mattered. We just kept pushing, stayed together as a team, and gave it everything we had. This win is for everyone who believed in us!"

NEXT UP
The Royals will have time to rest and get set to begin ASUN play against Florida Gulf Coast at 6 pm on Thursday, January 2. Queens is winless in the series history against the Eagles and fell 60-86 in the last meeting in Curry Arena. 

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.