Queens took control from the opening tip, building a 41-22 halftime lead over Jacksonville at Swisher Gymnasium. The Royals' offense, led by Chris Ashby's 20 points, never let up, cruising to a 77-51 victory. Ashby's performance set the tone for the game, as Queens showcased its scoring depth with three players reaching double figures. Jordan Watford and Carson Schwieger each added 12 points, demonstrating the Royals' ability to attack from multiple angles.
Jacksonville, led by Jaylen Jones' 11 points, struggled to find its rhythm on offense. The Dolphins' 22 first-half points were a reflection of Queens' stifling defense, which limited Jacksonville's scoring opportunities. Hayden Wood and Donovan Rivers chipped in with 8 points each for the Dolphins, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Royals' balanced attack.
The second half saw Queens maintain its lead, outscoring Jacksonville 36-29. The Royals' ability to sustain their offense and limit the Dolphins' scoring chances ultimately led to the 26-point margin of victory. This win is a significant boost to Queens' resume, particularly given the dominance they displayed on the road.
As a Quadrant 4 game for both teams, this outcome has implications for their respective tournament chances. For Queens, the win helps to bolster their overall record, now standing at 12-9. While it may not be a marquee victory, it demonstrates the Royals' ability to take care of business against lesser opponents. On the other hand, Jacksonville's loss drops them to 8-13, making their path to a potential postseason bid even more challenging.
The margin of victory is a reflection of Queens' superior performance, and Chris Ashby's 20 points were a key factor in the Royals' success. As the season progresses, Queens want to build on this momentum, using games like this as a springboard to more significant victories. With their net ranking currently at 197, the Royals are still on the outside looking in when it comes to tournament discussions. However, wins like this one will help to improve their standing and potentially put them in the conversation come selection time.
In the end, Queens' 77-51 win over Jacksonville is a statement about the Royals' potential. With their offense firing on all cylinders and a defense that can stifle opponents, they have the makings of a team that can make some noise in the coming weeks. As the season enters its critical phase, Queens want to use this performance as a launching pad for a strong finish, one that could potentially propel them into the tournament conversation.