OPENING TIP
Score: Queens 85 | Bellarmine 75
Records: Queens (10-14, 4-5 ASUN) | Bellarmine (6-18, 2-7 ASUN)
Location: Curry Arena (Charlotte, N.C.)
 
THE SHORT STORY: The Queens University of Charlotte men's basketball team picked up their second consecutive conference victory on Saturday in front of a rocking Homecoming crowd.
 
BY THE NUMBERS

• Charlotte native AJ McKee led all scorers 24 points on the evening. The junior guard was relentless getting to the rim allowing him to shoot a season-best 9-for-11 from the free-throw line.
• Deyton Albury stuffed the stat sheet pouring in 19 points, grabbing six rebounds, and dishing out a team-leading three assists. The Nassau native eclipsed double-digit points for the 15^th consecutive game.
• Freshman Bryce Cash continues to find his rhythm adding 13 points on an efficient 5-for-7 shooting from the field while also swiping two steals. The Charlotte native is averaging 10.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.4 steals over the last five games.
• Senior forward BJ McLaurin was a physical presence down low for the Royals. The Fayetteville native scored eight points and pulled down a team-leading eight rebounds while also swiping two steals on the evening.
• For the Knights, Bash Weiland led the way with a team-high 17 points while also nabbing six rebounds.
• The Royals offense did an excellent job taking care of the basketball as they only committed five turnovers on the evening tying a season low. Queens improved to 8-2 on the year when committing fewer turnovers than their opposition.

NOTABLE MOMENTS

• The Royals jumped out to an early 22-15 lead before the Knights responded with a 7-2 run to tie the game 24-24. Both squads were incredibly efficient from the field with each shooting 53 percent from the field as the Royals took a slim 41-38 lead into the break.
• The Royals came out on fire in the second half extending their lead to 49-40 which was capped off by an electric dunk by Jacobi Seabock.
• The Knights would gain momentum trimming the Royals lead to 75-71 with 2:55 to play. However, late free throws by the Royals helped seal their second consecutive conference victory.
• The Royals remained in control throughout the game holding the lead for 35:09 of action.

 
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

• The Royals were excellent shooting from the field pouring in a 51 percent mark which was the second-best shooting performance in ASUN play.
• Queens' defense was opportunistic forcing 12 turnovers from the visitors which they converted into 11 points.
• For the second consecutive game, the Royals were excellent from the free-throw line shooting 27-of-33 from the charity stripe, a mark that was second-best on the season.
• The Royals continue to be excellent inside Curry Arena moving to 9-2 inside Curry Arena this season and 17-7 across Division 1 play.
• Queens has found ways to finish with five minutes remaining in the game as they improved to 10-1 on the year when leading with five minutes to play.

NEXT UP
The Royals are back in action next Thursday, February 8th as they travel west to Nashville to take on Lipscomb University. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. and the game will be broadcast on ESPN Plus.
 
SOCIAL MEDIA
Be sure to follow Queens Men's Basketball on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok 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.