Phenom Hoops was able to check in for some college basketball on Wednesday, as two in-state programs battled it out here in North Carolina. Appalachian State, who had won six straight, hit the road to take on Queens, who has been strong at home.
Appalachian State came out strong to build an early double-digit lead but Queens started to get going offensively in the first half. Though Appalachian State had lost their double-digit lead early on, they never gave up the lead, as they walked in at halftime with a 45-38 victory. In the second half, both teams continued to get going offensively, as the bigs for Appalachian State were able to make plays and Deyton Albury and AJ McKee led the way for Queens. Appalachian State was able to build back its double-digit lead late in the second half, but Queens never backed down and gave in, as they continued to knock down shots until the final buzzer. However, App State was just too much overall and earned a tough road win 93-81.
Final: Appalachian State 93 – Queens 81
Notes/Standouts:
- Though Queens scored 81 points in this game, shooting 51 percent from the floor, Appalachian State was impressive and active defensively. Coming into the game, they were ranked as one of the top defensive teams in the country, giving up around 61 points per game. Credit to Queens in finding success offensively, but one can see how the Mountaineers can create havoc. They play scrappy, can block shots, and really can get after it.
- How about the bigs for Appalachian State. CJ Huntley came off the bench with 22 points and 8 rebounds, going 7-for-11 and hitting one three in just 24 minutes. He was excellent around the basket in scoring. But he wasn’t alone, as Tre’Von Spillers and Justin Abson were strong offensively, on the glass, and active defensively. These three combined for 46 total points.
- Donovan Gregory might have been the player of the game, going for 22 points on 9-for-10 shooting while also having 3 rebounds and 5 assists. Gregory continued to shine in being physical and getting downhill, embracing contact and finishing over defenders well. He also went 2-for-2 from behind the arc.
- Queens battled throughout this game, and we were impressed with Deyton Albury in his game, going for 25 points on 10-for-15 shooting. He was excellent in attacking and getting penetration, finishing strong in the paint and at the rim. He was consistent all game long with his scoring, including a few threes as well.
- AJ McKee finished the game with 19 points, as he is averaging around 17 points per game this season, while BJ McLaurin had 18 points to help Queens.