Queens (NY) Royals Hold Off North Alabama Lions 85-78 Behind Balanced Attack

The Queens Royals, fueled by their recent form where they averaged 86.6 points per game over their last five outings, outscored the North Alabama Lions 57-45 in the second half to secure an 85-78 win at Flowers Hall. This victory marked Queens (NY)'s third win in their last five games, with their offense continuing to click, scoring over 85 points for the third time in that stretch. North Alabama, on the other hand, has struggled, losing four of their last five, including a 60-81 defeat at the hands of Central Arkansas just a few days prior. The Lions' trend of being outscored by an average of 12.0 points over their last five games continued, as they failed to contain the Royals' balanced attack, which saw three players score in double figures.

Queens (NY) started the game slowly, scoring just 28 points in the first half, but they found their rhythm in the second, with 57 points, including 14 from Maban Jabriel, who was instrumental in their comeback. The Royals' ability to adjust their strategy at halftime paid off, as they improved their shooting percentage from 35% in the first half to 52% in the second. This significant improvement allowed them to overcome a 5-point deficit at the break and eventually win by 7. North Alabama's Kevin de Kovachich had a game-high 23 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Royals' second-half surge, which saw them outscore the Lions 32-19 over a 10-minute stretch.

Beyond the numbers, it was clear that Queens (NY)'s Yoav Berman was the catalyst for their win, hitting several big shots in the second half, including a three-pointer with 5:30 remaining that put the Royals up by 10. Berman's clutch shooting was a significant factor in the Royals' victory, as they were able to maintain a comfortable lead throughout the final minutes of the game. Meanwhile, North Alabama's Corneilous Williams had a strong game, with 20 points and 11 rebounds, but he was unable to get much help from his teammates, as the Lions' bench scored just 10 points. The Royals' bench, on the other hand, contributed 23 points, with Carson Schwieger scoring 12 points off the bench.

The CHD Scout prediction of a 6-point Queens (NY) win was spot on, as the Royals' offense was able to exploit North Alabama's defensive weaknesses.

The prediction's accuracy can be attributed to the Royals' ability to capitalize on the Lions' struggles on defense, where they have allowed an average of 80.8 points per game over their last five outings. The Lions' inability to contain the Royals' offense was a significant factor in their loss, as they were unable to muster a strong defensive effort, allowing Queens (NY) to shoot 49% from the field.

As the season enters its final stretch, this win is crucial for Queens (NY), who are looking to solidify their position in the conference standings. With a record of 16-12, the Royals are still in the hunt for a potential postseason berth, although their NET ranking of 204 suggests they have work to do. North Alabama, on the other hand, is likely playing for pride at this point, with a record of 8-18 and a NET ranking of 338. The Lions' recent trend of being outscored by an average of 12.0 points per game over their last five outings is a concern, as they look to finish the season on a strong note.

This win does little to change Queens (NY)'s tournament picture, as they still have a significant amount of work to do to become a serious contender. However, it does keep them in the conversation, and with a few more wins, they could potentially play their way onto the bubble. For North Alabama, this loss is just another in a long line of disappointing results, and it's clear that they have a lot of work to do to become competitive in their conference. The Lions' Quad 4 loss will not hurt their resume, but it does highlight their struggles against teams with a higher NET ranking.

In terms of recent form, Queens (NY) has been one of the hottest teams in the conference, with three wins in their last five games, including a 91-72 victory over North Florida. The Royals' ability to score points in bunches has been a key factor in their success, as they have averaged 86.6 points per game over their last five outings. North Alabama, on the other hand, has struggled to find consistency, with just one win in their last five games. The Lions' trend of being outscored by an average of 12.0 points per game over their last five outings is a concern, as they look to finish the season on a strong note. With just a few games remaining, both teams want to finish the season strong, although for different reasons. Queens (NY) is looking to make a push for the postseason, while North Alabama is looking to build momentum for next season.