In a closely contested matchup at Curry Arena, the Queens University of Charlotte Knights outlasted the University of West Georgia Wolves 91-84. The margin of victory was a relatively slim seven points, as the Knights maintained a narrow edge throughout the second half.
The Knights' 91 points represented a slight increase over their 42-point first-half performance, while the Wolves' second-half output of 45 points fell just shy of their first-half total of 39. The disparity in scoring in the second half ultimately proved to be the difference-maker in this battle of teams from vastly different NET-ranked programs, as the Knights, who sit 204th nationally, outdueled the 310th-ranked Wolves.
Nasir Mann led the Queens (NY) offense with 26 points, converting 10 of his 14 field goal attempts and sinking 5 of 7 free throws. His 10 rebounds also paced the team, a testament to his well-rounded performance. Mann's efficiency from the field and at the line was a significant factor in Queens' victory.
Yoav Berman and Avantae Parker each contributed 15 points to the Queens' scoring effort. Berman's 9-for-9 performance from the free throw line was particularly impressive, and he also added 5 rebounds and 3 assists. Parker's 5-for-7 shooting from the field and 5-for-9 from the line were notable, and his single block on defense also made an impact.
Josh Smith led the Wolves' scoring charge with 20 points, converting 8 of 13 field goal attempts and 2 of 5 three-point attempts. However, his supporting cast was limited, as his rebounding total of 3 was a team low. Despite his best efforts, Smith's scoring output fell short of what was needed to overcome Queens' offense.
Kenneth Chime was a force in the paint, hauling in 11 rebounds to lead the Wolves and also contributing 14 points. However, his overall efficiency was impacted by his 1-for-3 performance from the free throw line. Shelton Williams-Dryden's 14 points and 6 rebounds were a welcome presence in the backcourt, but his inability to stretch the defense with a three-pointer limited the Wolves' scoring options.
Matija Žužić's performance marked a significant departure from his season averages, as he nearly tripled his scoring output while maintaining a consistent rebounding presence. His 14 points came on a season-high 9 field goal attempts, including a 2-for-5 showing from three-point range, where he typically averages a more modest 0.3 made triples per game. Žužić's efficiency at the free throw line, converting 6 of 7 attempts, was also a notable improvement over his season average.
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Final
The pre-game prediction of a 7.3-point Queens (NY) victory proved accurate, as the Knights emerged with a 7-point win. This outcome was in line with expectations, but a closer examination of the game's deciding factors reveals that several key aspects contributed to the final score.
The shooting percentages, both inside and outside the arc, played a significant role in the game's outcome. Queens (NY)'s improved eFG% (54.3%) and West Georgia's struggles from beyond the arc (3PT% of 30.0%, significantly lower than their season average) made it difficult for the Wolves to keep pace. Additionally, the Knights' ability to secure a higher OREB rate (29.0%) than West Georgia (31.3%) allowed them to limit the Wolves' second-chance opportunities and maintain a consistent advantage throughout the game.
The outcome of this contest has significant implications for both teams' NCAA Tournament aspirations. For Queens (NY), this Quad 4 victory, coupled with their existing Quad 1 and 2 losses, leaves them with a thin résumé, but it also presents an opportunity to make up ground with additional Quad 4 wins. With their NET ranking currently outside the top 200, a strong finish to the regular season may not be enough to secure an at-large bid, but it could position them for a possible automatic bid in the conference tournament. Meanwhile, West Georgia's Quad 3 loss, combined with their poor NET ranking and limited quality wins, has put their NCAA Tournament hopes in jeopardy, and a strong showing in the conference tournament may be their only chance to salvage a postseason appearance. The Gauchos' season is rapidly slipping away from them, and this setback may prove to be a decisive blow to their NCAA Tournament ambitions.