Charlotte, NC – Erskine concluded their three-game road trip tonight at Queens University losing 52 to 45. The game was closely contested as the lead changed hands 14 times and featured 3 ties. With just a three-point lead and three minutes remaining in the game, Queens’ Daniel Bailey converted an old-fashion three-point play and Andre Lockhart made four consecutive free throws down the stretch to help Queens University (7-10 overall, 4-6 conference) pull away for the seven point victory over Erskine College (6-10, 3-7 conference).
Both teams fought hard throughout the game. In the first half, neither team could gain more than a four point lead. Erskine got out to their largest lead early in the game at 7 to 3 on Jay Boulware’s jumper. The game went back and forth with 7 more lead changes and 2 ties in the first half. Queens edged the Fleet at the half with a slim two point advantage at 22 to 20.
The second half resembled the first half with both team battling hard for points. Queens finally broke through at the three minute mark when Daniel Bailey made a nice move inside for the bucket and foul. He hit the free throw giving Queens their largest lead at that point at 46 to 40. Queens hit their free throws at the end of the game to secure the victory over the visiting Fleet.
On the night, the Fleet shot a decent 34% (17 of 50) from the field but only converted 4 of 14 for 29% from behind the arc. Meanwhile, Queens University made 41% (18 of 44) of their shots, including 8 of 25 for 32% from three-point range. Erskine won the battle for the boards 39 to 34, which lead to six 2nd chance points while holding Queens to zero 2nd chance points for Queens. The Queens’ bench proved to be a factor outscoring the Fleet reserves 15 to 6.
Individually Brandon Wright scored a game-high 20 points and grabbed 7 rebounds for the Fleet. No other Fleet player reached double-figures on the night. The Fleet’s Chris Gore helped the Fleet control the boards with a game-high 10 rebounds. Queens University was led by Reggie Hopkins with 15 points. David Cheek pulled down a team-high 8 rebounds for the Royals.
The Fleet return home Thursday night to play Coker College. Game time is set for 7:30 p.m.
