OPENING TIP
Score: Queens 96 | Stetson 87
Records: Queens (8-6 overall, 1-0 ASUN) | Stetson (2-112 overall, 0-1 ASUN)
Location: Curry Arena (Charlotte, N.C.)
 
THE SHORT STORY
Behind sensational performances from Chris Ashby and Leo Colimerio, the Queens University of Charlotte men's basketball team kicked off ASUN play with a thrilling 96-87 victory over the reigning ASUN Tournament Champions from Stetson. Ashby tied the single-game program record by drilling eight three-pointers for a career-high 24 points while Colimerio matched his season-high with 27 points.

FROM COACH LEONARD
"I've seen a lot of growth in our guys from the first game to this game in a ton of different areas, specifically rebounding, loose balls, and ball security. I think we had four turnovers in the second half and that's a recipe for winning a conference."

BY THE NUMBERS
-Senior Chris Ashby poured in a career-high 24 points behind an 8-of-13 performance from behind the arc. The impressive performance from downtown was the most since Todd Withers buried eight in 2017.
-Leo Colimerio turned in his ninth game in double figures matching his season-high with 27 points. The Fresno State transfer added six boards and tied his career-high with five assists.
-Senior Kalib Mathews turned in double figures for the second time this season with 11 points on an efficient 5-of-7 shooting. Mathews added five assists, the second most in a single-game by the Franklinton native this season.
-Bryce Cash packed the stat sheet with two points, seven rebounds, two assists, and two steals.
-The Royals bench consisting of Jaxon Pollard, Yoav Berman, Nasir Mann, Maban Jabriel, and Asjon Anderson combined to score 29 points. Jabriel added six rebounds and matched his season-high with two assists.
-Queens forced 13 turnovers by the Hatters and turned the miscues into 19 points.

NOTABLE MOMENTS
-The visiting Hatters used a 7-0 run behind a 4-of-5 start from the field to jump out to a quick 10-2 lead. Stetson would capitalize on five Queens turnovers with five points to take an 18-9 lead into the second media timeout.
-Trailing 25-18 with 8:16 remaining in the first half, the Royals ripped off a 8-0 run capped to take their first lead of the game. The Royals held the Hatters to a three-minute scoring drought during the run.
-After trailing 41-39 heading into halftime, the Royals came out hot in the second half jolting out to a 12-4 run to grab a six-point lead heading into the first media break.
-Leading 82-79 with 3:28 to go, Queens sparked a key 10-0 run to grow their lead back to 13.

INSIDE THE BOXSCORE
-Chris Ashby is now tied with Kenny Dye for the fourth most three-pointers made in school history.
-The 57 second-half points were the most in a single half by Queens this season.
-Queens improved to 2-1 in ASUN openers since joining the league in 2022.
-The Royals improved to 8-0 this season when leading with five minutes to play in regulation.
 
FROM CHRIS ASHBY
"We just play for each other. Everybody loves each other and we celebrate each other's success. It feels good to get the win to start conference play, and hopefully we can get on a roll from here."

NEXT UP
Queens will return to action on Saturday, January 4^th when they welcome FGCU to Curry Arena. Tip off is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. and the game will be broadcast on ESPN Plus. The afternoon tilt will mark the sixth all-time meeting between the Royals and the Eagles with Queens controlling a 4-1 advantage. Saturday will also serve as a rematch from the last two ASUN Tournament First Round games where the Royals finished the Eagles seasons in both years. Fans can purchase their tickets in advance by visiting the Queens Athletics website.
 
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.