OPENING TIP
Score: Queens 75 | North Alabama 67
Records: Queens (13-9 overall, 6-3 ASUN) | North Alabama (14-8 overall, 6-3 ASUN)
Location: Curry Arena (Charlotte, N.C.)
 
THE SHORT STORY
The Queens University of Charlotte men's basketball team saw five different Royals pour in double figures as Queens took down one of the league's top programs in North Alabama on Wednesday night. The Royals held the lead for 38 minutes of action as they managed to counter every Lions run with a surge of their own.
 
FROM COACH LEONARD
"North Alabama is the number one offensive rebounding team in the league, and we were really able to hold them in check on that. I thought our guys did an unbelievable job boxing out. On top of that, they take care of the ball better than anyone in the league, and we were able to win the turnover battle. I told our guys if we won those two stats then we were going to be in good shape. I'm proud of our effort. It was a total team effort."

BY THE NUMBERS
-Senior Kalib Mathews turned in one of his best performances of the season with 11 points, two rebounds, five assists, and three steals across a season-high 33 minutes of action. The Franklinton native matched his career-high from the charity stripe.
-Leo Colimerio packed the stat sheet with 11 points on 5-of-8 shooting while adding seven boards and an assist. The Sao Paulo, Brazil native has turned in double figures in 15 outings as a Royal.
-Senior Jaxon Pollard was dominant off the Queens bench with 10 points, six rebounds, and two assists across 17 minutes of work.
-Yoav Berman added another stellar performance to his rookie campaign with 13 points, one rebound, and two assists. The Tel Aviv, Israel native has turned in double figures in nine games this season, including three straight league games. Berman got the charity stripe and cashed in with a season-high 7-of-9 clip.
-Sharpshooter Chris Ashby added 10 points, including a pair of three-pointers while matching his career-high going 4-of-4 from the free throw line.
-Fellow rookie Maban Jabriel continued to impress off the bench with eight points, three rebounds, two assists, and a season-high three blocks.
-Preseason All-ASUN selection Jacari Lane led all scorers with 22 points while Taye Fields added a double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds.
-The Royals bench came in clutch outscoring the visiting Lions 37-6.

NOTABLE MOMENTS
-Despite a slow start early from both offenses, Queens managed to capitalize on an 8-0 run to grab a 13-7 lead with 13:57 remaining in the first half. The small surge was exactly what the Royals needed as they managed to hold the lead for the remainder of the game.
-The Royals managed to counter every North Alabama scoring opportunity with points of their own as they took a 31-28 lead into the break.
-Just before heading to the locker rooms for halftime, a technical foul was issued to the Lions bench allowing the Royals to sink a pair of free throws to open the second half. Despite the free points, the Lions ripped off an 8-3 run to cut the deficit to two points heading into the first media break.
-Similar to the first half of action, the Royals countered every Lions surge and didn't allow the visitors to come within two points for the remainder of the game. Leading 59-55 with 5:36 remaining, Queens put together a 7-1 run to grow their lead back to 10.
 
FROM KALIB MATHEWS
"Basketball is a game of runs and we just have to keep the positive energy. Coach told us that we had to be the hardest playing guys just like we were during that hot stretch to open conference play. We just got back to what we know. North Alabama came out hot, so this win is really big for us. We're just trying to get the train back moving again and tonight was a great win."

INSIDE THE BOXSCORE
-Five different Royals reached double figures in the same game for the third time this season, and the first time since playing at Stetson earlier this season.
-Queens improved to 12-2 on the season when outrebounding their opponent.
-The Royals got to the free throw line 36 times marking a season-high. Queens cashed in those opportunities with 24 points.
-Queens improved to 2-1 all-time against North Alabama.

NEXT UP
Queens will return to action on Saturday, February 1^st when the Royals welcome the league's newest member in West Georgia to Curry Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. and the game will be broadcast on ESPN Plus. Fans can purchase their tickets in advance by visiting the Queens Athletics website. Saturday afternoon will mark the first-ever meeting between the Royals and the Wolves, the two newest programs to the Atlantic Sun.
 
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.