The Library Media — Sports · Sports Desk
Queens Holds Off Gardner-Webb, 57-53, After Late Push
By Megan McCarthy
BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. — Queens held off a late Gardner-Webb rally to secure a 57-53 road victory at Paul Porter Arena, improving to 2-2 while the Runnin’ Bulldogs fell to 1-2.
Queens established an early advantage, leading 14-9 after the first quarter. Gardner-Webb stayed within reach throughout the game, but the Royals maintained enough separation to take a four-point win in a finish that came down to the final seconds.
Ryan Davis led Queens with 17 points on 7-of-9 shooting and added five rebounds. Brenae Jones-Grant contributed 13 points and eight rebounds, while Mia Moore finished with eight points, six rebounds and five steals.
The Royals held a 36-25 advantage on the boards, collecting 11 more rebounds than Gardner-Webb. The teams were even in points in the paint at 32 apiece, while the Runnin’ Bulldogs shot 44.4% from the field, making 20 of 45 attempts. Queens shot 38.9%, going 21-of-54.
Gardner-Webb had several contributors keep the game close. Amira Ofunniyin led the Runnin’ Bulldogs with 13 points on 5-of-6 shooting, along with three rebounds and three assists. Shiriah Harris and Laila Tull added 11 points apiece. Harris also recorded four rebounds and three steals.
Makayla Legette finished with nine points, six rebounds and four assists for Gardner-Webb.
The closing seconds provided the game’s decisive sequence. Harris converted a layup to cut Queens’ lead to 55-53 with 10 seconds remaining, putting the Royals’ advantage under pressure. Queens then converted two free throws in the closing seconds to seal the 57-53 result.
The four-point victory moved Queens to 2-2 and gave the Royals a road win at Paul Porter Arena. Gardner-Webb dropped to 1-2 despite shooting a higher percentage from the field and keeping the points-in-the-paint total even.
Queens’ rebounding edge and late free throws proved important in a close contest that remained within reach for Gardner-Webb until the final moments.
Megan McCarthy
Women’s College Basketball, The Library Media
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