A big rivalry in the state of North Carolina that many might not know about is the continuing matchup between Queens University and Catawba. Already meeting up once this time this season and Queens taking home the 10-point win, now the Royals hit the road to Catawba for Game 2.
Queens came out strong to earn a 9-point early lead but Catawba eventually settled down, tying it up at 21 at the 10-minute mark. That is when the Royals started to turn up the energy, led by Daniel Carr's 17 first-half points. Queens eventually built a 16-point lead late in the half, looking to put this one away early. Catawba though battled back behind a Marcell Haskett three and a few plays made by Daquan Lilly.
Halftime: Queens University 49 – Catawba 39
Catawba came out with energy and passion, using their versatile length to attack the paint while Haskett continued to find his shot from three. Eventually, the Indians tied it up at 60 and took their first lead just minutes after. But the play of Kenny Dye and Gavin Rains, along with others, seemingly had the answer for Catawba every time, giving the Royals a narrow lead throughout.
Clinging to a two-point lead with just under three minutes, Jamari Smith (who was fighting foul trouble) hit a big bucket late and Dye knocked down two key free throws to give Queens a 6-point lead with a minute left and eventually securing another tough victory on the road.
Final: Queens University 94 – Catawba 84
Key Stat Notes:
- Catawba had 20 turnovers which led to 29 points for Queens, compared to 15 turnovers for the Royals which helped to 17 points for Catawba
- Queens owned a 42-34 advantage with points in the paint
- Catawba's bench outscored Queens' 25-16
- Queens went 8-for-19 from three and 22-for-25 from the free throw line/ Catawba went 11-for-24 from three and 11-for-16 from the free throw line
Standouts:
Kenny Dye (Queens): There is just something calming about watching Dye play. He plays with such a great IQ on the floor and understands out to play strong, smart, and not forcing anything. Dye allowed Carr to have a big first half but took over in the second and hit some tough shots, aggressively attacking the defense and getting into the paint and the free throw line. Stats: 25 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists
Marcell Haskett (Catawba): Haskett was aggressive in getting his shot, hitting several big shots from deep and getting his team back into the game in the second half. He showed his range and his ability to play on and off the ball. Stats: 19 points (4-9 from 3)
Gavin Rains (Queens): Only a freshman, Rains brought it on the road. He was played absolutely tough throughout the evening, playing extremely aggressive on the boards and finishing through contact on multiple occasions. Rains has great touch around the rim and brings that physicality to the floor, playing much bigger than listed. Stats: 16 points, 7 rebounds
Devin Cooper (Catawba): Playing through foul trouble for much of the game, Cooper not only showed his range and scoring capability on multiple levels but also his ability to find his teammates. He led the way for the Indians in scoring, as well as in assists. Stats: 21 points, 6 assists