CHARLOTTE, N.C. – After a challenging week that saw the Royals drop two home games in ASUN women's basketball action, Queens is looking to regroup as they prepare to face preseason favorite FGCU. The Royals will host the Eagles at Curry Arena for the third time in the series history. Queens enters the contest with a 6-9 overall record and is searching for their first conference win at 0-4 in ASUN play. Meanwhile, FGCU comes into the game riding high with a 13-3 overall record, including an 4-0 mark in ASUN competition.

GAMEDAY GUIDE
Date: Thursday, January 16, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Curry Arena (Charlotte, N.C.)
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Queens Game Notes
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THE MATCHUPS
The Royals remain winless in their series history against FGCU. Earlier this season, the Eagles secured an 81-58 victory over the Royals in the ASUN opener in Fort Myers. Four Eagles scored in double figures during that matchup. For Queens, Jordyn Weaver led the team with 14 points, shooting an efficient 7-for-13 from the field, while also grabbing eight rebounds. The Royals' bench made a notable impact, contributing 24 points in the effort.

SCOUTING THE ROYALS (6-9 overall, 0-4 ASUN)

• The Royals were ultimately outpaced by strong free throw shooting in the final frame from the Central Arkansas Sugar Bears. The game featured eight lead changes and six ties.
• Tiziana Huici played a key role for Queens against Central Arkansas, scoring a season-high 16 points on 8-of-11 shooting from the charity stripe and grabbing four rebounds.
• Jordyn Weaver continues to lead the team in conference play, averaging 11.3 points and 8.8 rebounds per game. Weaver ranks sixth in the ASUN in scoring and rebounding.
• Ana Barreto is the second-leading scorer, contributing 8.3 points per game. Barreto remains in the top ten in three-point field goals per game, averaging 1.9 a game.
• Queens' offense relies heavily on their ability to get to the free-throw line, averaging 15.3 made free throws per game in conference play.
• The Royals are among the league's best in rebounding, ranking fourth in combined team rebounds and second in offensive rebounding.
• Defensively, the Royals are allowing 71.8 points per game in conference play. Queens has managed to force 16.3 turnovers per game, relying on defensive pressure to create transition opportunities.
• Kemia Ward is a key piece defensively for the Royals, with 22 blocks on the year.
• The Royals defense ranks third in the ASUN with an average of 9.13 steals a game after 15 games this season.

SCOUTING THE EAGLES (13-3 overall, 4-0 ASUN)

• The Eagles have earned votes in back-to-back weeks of the USA Today Coaches Top 25 Poll. South Dakota State and FGCU are the lone mid-major representatives in the current poll. FGCU also improved five spots in the latest CollegeInsider.com Mid-Major Top 25 Poll, climbing up to No. 11 overall.
• Offensively, the Eagles average 70.3 points per game, outpacing opponents by a margin of 18.1 points. Their shooting efficiency stands at 40.7 percent from the field and 31.8 percent from beyond the arc, with an average of 8.4 three-pointers made per game.
• Emani Jefferson is leading the team with an average of 14.5 points per game on 62.6 percent shooting. Jefferson also contributes 4.9 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.9 steals per game, showcasing her impact on both ends of the floor.
• Last time out, the Eagles secured a decisive 92-50 victory over Jacksonville, led by a double-double performance and a game high from Lauryn Taylor. Taylor is averaging 8.3 points and 7.9 rebounds per game for the Eagles.
• Defensively, FGCU limits opponents to 52.3 points per game. The Eagles excel in creating turnovers, averaging 11.5 steals per game, and are holding opponents to a 32.4 shooting percentage from three-point range.
• FGCU has forced more than 12 turnovers in each game and has forced more than 20 turnovers eight times.

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.