OPENING TIP
Score: Queens 47| Florida Gulf Coast 69
Records: Queens (6-10, 0-5 ASUN) | Florida Gulf Coast (14-3, 5-0 ASUN)
Location: Curry Arena (Charlotte, N.C.)

THE SHORT STORY
Queens University women's basketball rallied for a strong first half but fell to FGCU, 69-47, at Curry Arena on Thursday night. Despite the final score, Queens had several standout moments, including a dominant double-double showing by Kemia Ward. The Royals continue to look for their first conference victory, falling to 6-10 overall and 0-5 in the ASUN. Florida Gulf Coast are winners of seven straight and improved to 14-3 overall and 5-0 in league play.

BY THE NUMBERS
- Kemia Ward was a force throughout the game, finishing with her first career double-double of 13 points and 14 rebounds, including 12 on the offensive glass.
- After setting a career-high in blocks last time out against Central Arkansas, Kemia Ward set a new career-high in minutes (31), rebounds (14), and blocks (7). Ward moved to ninth place in the program record books, with 49 career blocks.
- Jordyn Weaver added 10 points and nine rebounds, Jermany Mapp chipped in with 10 points off the bench.

NOTABLE MOMENTS
After a slow start in the first quarter, Queens trailed 23-16. The Royals responded in the second quarter with an 11-2 scoring run that brought the deficit down to just one point, 23-22, midway through the period. Despite controlling the momentum going into the break, FGCU pulled away in the second half, using a balanced attack and a 50 percent shooting performance in the third quarter to extend their lead.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- Queens outperformed FGCU on second-chance points, 17-6, thanks to their work on the offensive glass. The Royals finished with 39 rebounds and brought down 13 offensive boards.
- FGCU's ability to capitalize on turnovers and fast breaks proved to be the difference, as they scored 20 points off turnovers compared to Queens six.
- The Royals' bench outscored FGCU's bench 27-16.

NEXT UP
Queens will return to Curry Arena on Saturday, Jan. 18, for a 2 p.m. tip-off against Lipscomb in ASUN action. The Royals will look to secure their first victory against the Bisons, having dropped both previous meetings in the all-time series. Fans can purchase season and single game tickets in advance by visiting the Queens Athletics website.

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.