OPENING TIP
Score: Queens 71 | Western Carolina 64
Records: Queens (4–4) | Western Carolina (2-9)
Location: Ramsey Center (Cullowhee, N.C.)

THE SHORT STORY
Queens used a strong fourth quarter and a standout scoring performance from Brenae Jones-Grant to secure a 71–64 road win at Western Carolina on Sunday. The game featured twenty lead changes and remained tight until the Royals took control late behind timely perimeter shooting and near-perfect free throw shooting.

FROM COACH BROWN
"It was a hard-fought road win, and I'm proud of how we executed down the stretch. We made winning plays when it mattered most." "Alyssa was huge for us tonight. Day and Brenae both stepped up and were clutch in big moments. The one-two punch of Hannah and Breah at the 5 was pivotal to our success." "This was a total team win. Everyone contributed! Even the bench was loud, locked in, and fully engaged. That's the kind of collective effort that wins games."

BY THE NUMBERS

• Brenae Jones-Grant led all scorers with 27 points on 10-for-18 shooting and added 11 rebounds for her third double-double of the season. Her scoring came just one point shy of tying her career high set against South Carolina State.
• Dayuna Colvin turned in one of her strongest outings with 15 points, three assists, four steals, and a perfect six-for-six performance at the line in the fourth quarter.
• Ana Barreto posted seven points, four assists, and three rebounds, playing all forty minutes.
• Freshman Breah Franks provided a major lift off the bench with nine points, three rebounds, and two steals in nineteen minutes.
• Alyssa Lewis added six points, one assist, and one steal, hitting all four of her free throw attempts.
• Queens finished 23-for-25 at the line (92.0 percent), marking their best free throw performance of the year. 

NOTABLE MOMENTS

• Queens responded midway through the second quarter with a six-to-zero burst fueled by Jones-Grant inside and a transition finish from Franks, pulling the Royals within one possession and shifting the pace of the game.
• Western Carolina briefly regained control behind a pair of perimeter makes, but Queens countered by forcing three straight defensive stops and converting at the free throw line to stay within striking distance entering the final period.
• The decisive stretch came early in the fourth quarter with the game still within one score. Jones-Grant knocked down a three from the right wing to put Queens back in front, sparking an eight-to-one run. Colvin followed with consecutive scores in transition, stretching the Royals lead and forcing a Western Carolina timeout.
• Western Carolina closed the gap to four with under three minutes remaining, but Queens answered with disciplined half-court execution and late-clock free throws. The Royals went 12-13 at the line in the fourth quarter to secure their second road victory of the year.

INSIDE THE BOXSCORE

• Jones-Grant recorded her third double-double of the season and set a new career high with five made threes.
• Queens 23-for-25 free throw effort (92.0 percent) marked a Division I era best in any game with at least twenty attempts.
• The Royals 71 points were their their-highest scoring total of the season.
• This victory marked Queens first win in the series against Western Carolina.
• Queens has now made six or more threes in five of eight games this year.
• The Royals 14 steals set a new season high previously set against Garnder-Webb with 12.

FROM BRENAE JONES-GRANT
"After a long week without a game, we were hungry to compete. We executed our game plan, won the battles, and finished the plays we needed." "That's what lifted us to the win. This team fights, and tonight we proved it. Now we continue showing what we can do!"

FROM DAYUNA COLVIN
 "I'm proud of the team's performance! We stayed composed under pressure and remained together throughout the whole game." "Our ability to execute the scout and knocked down free throws helped us solidify the win." 

NEXT UP
Queens returns home for the first time in nearly a month and hosts Carolina University on Sunday, December 14 at Curry Arena. The matchup will also serve as Youth Day, and all kids under twelve will receive free admission. 

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.