CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Queens University of Charlotte women's basketball team returns to Curry Arena on Thursday night looking to build on its season-opening momentum against Mars Hill. The Royals (1–0) impressed in Monday's 58–47 victory over Gardner-Webb, showing depth across the lineup and dominance on the glass in a complete defensive effort. A win on Thursday would give Queens its first 2–0 start since the 2022–23 campaign.

GAMEDAY GUIDE
Date: Thursday, November 6, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Curry Arena (Charlotte, N.C.)
Watch: ESPN+
Stats: StatBroadcast
Tickets
Queens Game Notes

THE MATCHUPS
This will be the 26th all-time meeting between Queens and Mars Hill, with the Royals holding a 14–11 advantage in the series. The two programs were long-time rivals in the South Atlantic Conference (SAC) before Queens transitioned to NCAA Division I and joined the ASUN in 2022.

Queens has won seven of the last ten meetings, including an 83–57 victory in the most recent matchup on Jan. 22, 2022, inside Curry Arena. The Royals are 7–3 at home against the Lions, with their largest margin of victory coming on Jan. 18, 2020 (73–39).

SCOUTING THE ROYALS (1–0 overall)

• Queens opened the season with a 58–47 win over Gardner-Webb, led by sophomore forward Brenae Jones-Grant, who tallied 18 points and 12 rebounds for her first career double-double.
• The Royals held Gardner-Webb to five first quarter points and just 26.8 percent shooting in the game.
• West Georgia transfer Hannah Hicks made a strong debut, finishing with eight points and a career-high 13 rebounds, helping Queens control a 46–36 advantage on the glass.
• Veteran guards Jermany Mapp and Ana Barretto provide leadership and composure in the backcourt, combining for 13 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and four steals.
• The Royals bench made an immediate impact, as freshmen Robynn Thompson and Breah Franks combined for eight points, four rebounds, and three steals in their collegiate debuts.

 
SCOUTING THE LIONS (0–0 overall)

• Mars Hill begins the 2025–26 season under first-year head coach NaJarius "JJ" Green, who takes over after the Lions were picked 12th in the SAC Preseason Coaches Poll.
• The Lions are coming off a 17–12 season, which included a 14–10 mark in South Atlantic Conference play.
• Aaliyah Ellington returns as the team's top scorer after averaging 17.7 points and 5.3 rebounds per game last season.
• Tateyiona Harris (12.8 PPG, 3.5 RPG) adds another strong perimeter scoring option, while Maddie Gilliam (9.8 PPG) and Naja Ngongba (7.2 PPG, 5.4 RPG) bring balance to the frontcourt.
• Newcomers include graduate guard Adrianna Gullette (Montreat College), junior guard Jadyiah Peoples (Lexington, N.C.), and redshirt junior guard Stella McIntyre (North Greenville).
• The freshman class features Makayla Street, Peyton Caldwell, and Kamryn Sainvil, all expected to contribute early.
• As a team, Mars Hill averaged 71.3 points per game on 43.3 percent shooting last season, ranking among SAC leaders in both scoring margin and rebounding.

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.