OPENING TIP
Score: Queens 52 | Austin Peay 43
Records: Queens (8-14, 2-9 ASUN) | Austin Peay (10-12, 5-6 ASUN)
Location: Curry Arena (Charlotte, N.C.)

THE SHORT STORY
The Queens University Royals closed out strongly to snap their losing streak, defeating Austin Peay 52-43 on Thursday night in Curry Arena. A dominant second quarter and a crucial fourth-quarter push helped Queens hold off the Governors in a tough ASUN women's basketball matchup. The Royals improved to 8-14 overall and 2-9 in ASUN, while the Govs dropped to 10-12 on the season and 5-6 in league play.

BY THE NUMBERS
- Ana Barreto led the charge, finishing with a team-high 13 points, seven rebounds, and one assist.
- Kemia Ward added nine points, three rebounds, and a game-high four blocks, providing a defensive presence in the paint.
- Aylesha Wade contributed nine points, six rebounds, and three assists, while Kaitlyn Adams came off the bench to score nine points on a perfect 2-2 shooting from beyond the arc.
- The Royals dominated the rebounding battle, grabbing 37 total boards compared to Austin Peay's 25.
- Queens forced 18 turnovers, converting them into 15 points on the other end.

NOTABLE MOMENTS
Queens started the game on an 8-0 run early in the first quarter, setting the tone with aggressive play on both ends of the floor. The Royals shot 41.7 percent in the opening period and built on that momentum in the second quarter, catching fire with a blistering 7-13 shooting performance, including a 3-5 mark from beyond the arc. The scoring surge, highlighted by an 8-0 run late in the half, gave the Royals a commanding 37-20 lead at the break.

However, the third quarter proved to be a rough stretch for Queens. The Royals managed just two points in the period, while Austin Peay capitalized with an 11-0 run to cut the deficit to just three points heading into the fourth.

Queens responded in the final period, using a 7-0 run midway through the quarter to regain control.

INSIDE THE BOXSCORE
- The win marks the first victory over Austin Peay in the series history, the Royals are now 1-3 against the Govs.
- Queens has now exceeded last season's ASUN win total of one game and is just one victory away from matching their 2022-23 conference win total.
- Portuguese guard Ana Barreto has now scored in double figures for the 10^th time this season.
- Senior center Kemia Ward finished with four blocks for the fourth time this season.

FROM ANA BARRETO
"Big win tonight! The energy, effort, and trust in each other made the difference. Proud of this team and the way we compete!"

NEXT UP
Queens continues its three-game homestand with a Homecoming matchup on Saturday against ASUN newcomer West Georgia. Tipoff against the Wolves is set for 4 p.m. at Curry Arena. Fans can purchase season and single game tickets in advance by visiting the Queens Athletics website.

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.