CHARLOTTE, N.C.- Queens University of Charlotte women’s basketball knew they would be in for a challenge as they hosted No. 23 Lenoir-Rhyne University at Ovens Athletics Center tonight and they were right, but they put their best foot forward.
In the last five minutes Queens used an 11-5 run to cut the lead down to six with 46 ticks left on the clock. Queens used fouls to try and gain an edge, but the Bears (6-1) made five of eight freebies to open the lead up and end the game with a score of 72-61.
The Royals (1-6/0-2 Conference Carolinas) trailed by as many 19, 47-28, in the second half but strong play all over the floor slowly chipped away the points.
Key baskets by Shakaria Hamlin (Hartsville, S.C., Hartsville) in the first half slowed what was starting to look like a slightly lopsided in favor of the visitors. Hamlin fought hard around the basket, was able to score and get the extra point at the line to put Queens within 10 with 3:19 remaining until halftime. Hamlin would make the last Royals basket of the half two minutes later and take Queens to the break trailing by 17, 41-21.
Marissa Hudley (Charlotte, N.C., Harding University ) turned in a strong performance with 20 points and 11 rebounds, the only double-double of the game. Dyonna Battle (Rocky Mount, N.C., Rocky Mount) scored in double figures with 12 points. Hamlin finished the night with seven points and six rebounds.
Denise Moore led the Bears with 15 points and Brittany Mitch and Amber Holt each contributed 14. The win marks the sixth straight victory for Lenoir-Rhyne.