CHARLOTTE, N.C.- The Royals men’s basketball started strong against Conference Carolinas opponent Coker College, but stalled in the second half allowing Coker to make a comeback and win, 70-61. The loss drops Queens to 11-13 overall and 8-9 in league play while Coker improves to 10-11 overall and 7-8 in conference action.
The Royals offense seemed like they couldn’t miss in the first half. In the opening 10 minutes Queens was 8-11, missing two three-point attempts and one field goal. On two of the three missed baskets the Royals came up with the offensive rebounds.
Queens made their last basket from the floor during the half with 6:33 remaining when Reggie Hopkins (Gastonia, N.C., Ashbrook) hit a three-pointer, one of five for the night. The Royals led Coker 33-25 at the half.
Antonio Stabler (Garner, N.C., Wakefield) started the second half with a quick field goal, but the bucket was just one of the seven Queens would hit in the second half. Queens’ offense never got started in the second half while Coker found the basket on 15-27 shots (55.6%).
Queens was led by Hopkins with 19 points and Stabler added 15. Mason Ambler scored 19 and added 14 rebounds for Coker.
The Royals travel to Lees-McRae on Monday, Feb. 22, for a 7:30pm tipoff.