Queens (NY) put on a show at Curry Arena, taking down Sacred Heart 81-64 in a non-conference matchup. The Knights' victory was fueled by a balanced attack, with three players scoring 15 points or more. Carson Schwieger led the way with 17 points, while Nasir Mann and Chris Ashby chipped in with 15 points each. Mann also added 6 rebounds to his stat line, showcasing his all-around skills.
The first half was all Queens (NY), as they built a 47-34 lead at the break. Sacred Heart struggled to keep pace, with Anquan Hill being the lone bright spot. Hill finished the game with 19 points and 7 rebounds, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Knights' onslaught. Taj Bryant added 14 points and 8 rebounds for the Pioneers, but their efforts were ultimately overshadowed by Queens (NY)'s dominant performance.
The second half saw more of the same, with Queens (NY) maintaining their lead and eventually pushing it to 17 points. The Knights' defense was stifling, holding Sacred Heart to just 30 points in the final 20 minutes. Meanwhile, Queens (NY)'s offense continued to click, with Schwieger and company moving the ball effectively and finding open shots.
The win improves Queens (NY) to 12-9 on the season, and while it may not be a marquee victory, it's a solid addition to their resume. The game was classified as a Quadrant 4 win for the Knights, which may not carry significant weight in the eyes of the selection committee. However, it's a step in the right direction for a team looking to build momentum heading into the final stretch of the season.
For Sacred Heart, the loss drops them to 9-13, and they will likely view this as a missed opportunity. The Pioneers were facing a Quadrant 3 opponent, and a win would have been a notable boost to their tournament chances. Instead, they will have to regroup and focus on their upcoming schedule.
In terms of tournament implications, Queens (NY) still has work to do to become a serious contender. Their current net ranking of 197 suggests they have a long way to go, but a strong finish to the season could put them in the conversation. Sacred Heart, on the other hand, faces an uphill battle, with their net ranking of 294 making it difficult to see a path to the NCAA Tournament.
Ultimately, Queens (NY)'s dominant win over Sacred Heart will be viewed as a solid, if unspectacular, addition to their resume. The Knights want to build on this performance as they move forward, while Sacred Heart will aim to bounce back from a disappointing loss. As the season enters its final stretch, both teams will be focused on making a push for the postseason, and games like this matters in determining their fate.