OPENING TIP
Score: Winthrop 81 | Queens 74
Records: Winthrop (1-0) | Queens (0-1)
Location: Rock Hill Sports and Events Center (Rock Hill, S.C.)
 
THE SHORT STORY
In the 2025-26 college basketball season opener, the Queens University of Charlotte men's basketball team dropped a tough 81-74 battle against Winthrop in the Field of 68 Opening Day Marathon. The Battle for I-77 featured eight ties and eight lead changes before a four-minute scoring drought from the Royals to close the game pushed Winthrop ahead.

BY THE NUMBERS
-Senior Nasir Mann turned in his second career double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds.
-Sophomore Yoav Berman recorded a team-high 19 points while adding five rebounds and an assist.
-ASUN Preseason Player of the Year Chris Ashby logged 10 points, four rebounds, and two assists over 33 minutes of work.
-The duo of Avantae Parker and Gus Larson combined to score 23 points on 10-of-12 shooting from the field.
-Newcomers Jordan Watford and Carson Schwieger saw their first action as Royals and combined for 10 points, six rebounds, and five assists.
-A key difference in the game proved to be at the charity stripe as Winthrop went 25-for-31 on the day while Queens went 14-of-16. The physical battle saw a combined 45 fouls called.

NOTABLE MOMENTS
-Following a slow start from both offenses, Winthrop broke through before the under-eight media timeout. A four-minute scoring drought from Queens was countered with an 8-0 run by Winthrop, who took a 25-16 lead into the media timeout.
-Trailing 36-27 with 3:58 remaining in the first half, Queens put together an 8-4 run to cut the deficit to five heading into the break.
-With 15:29 remaining in the game, Queens ripped off a 10-2 run to grab their first lead of the game and force a Winthrop timeout. Newcomer Carson Schwieger buried a three-pointer to tie the game before freshman Jordan Watford connected on four straight points.
-The final four minutes of action proved crucial as Queens went on a scoreless drought from the field while Winthrop countered with an 8-0 run to pull ahead.
 
INSIDE THE BOXSCORE
-The Royals struggled to connect from deep, going 6-for-30 on the day.
-Queens committed 17 turnovers on the day, which Winthrop converted into 15 points.
-Despite the rebounding margin being even 39-39, Winthrop won the offensive glass 16-14 and cashed in 20 points on second-chance opportunities.

NEXT UP
Queens will return to Charlotte and prepare for their home opener on Wednesday, November 5^th, against Lynchburg University. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m., and the game will be broadcast on ESPN+. Fans can purchase their tickets in advance here.
 
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.