As Purdue gears up for the NCAA Tournament, they enter as the No. 2 seed in the West Region, ready to face off against No. 15 seed Queens University of Charlotte. This first-round clash is set for Friday night in St.
Louis, tipping off at 7:35 p.m. EST on TruTV.
Queens University is making waves with their first-ever tournament appearance, having clinched their spot by winning the Atlantic Sun Conference tournament as a No. 3 seed. Their thrilling 98-93 overtime victory against top-seeded Central Arkansas in the championship game marked a historic moment for the Royals.
This season is particularly special for Queens as it marks their inaugural year of postseason eligibility after becoming a full NCAA Division I member. They’ve put together an impressive 21-13 overall record, with a strong 13-5 showing in conference play.
Spotlight on Key Players:
Leading the charge for Queens is senior guard Nasir Mann, who tops the team in scoring (13.4 points per game), rebounds (5.8 per game), and steals (1.1 per game). Mann’s ability to dominate the boards has seen him hit double-digit rebounds in six contests this season.
Sophomore standout Yoav Berman earned Second-Team All-ASUN honors, contributing 12.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. His all-around play is a crucial asset for the Royals.
Graduate guard Chris Ashby has been lighting it up, averaging 11.7 points per game. Notably, Ashby dropped 34 points twice this season, including a standout performance in the ASUN title game against Central Arkansas, where he hit 10-of-19 from beyond the arc.
Sophomore forward Carson Schwieger adds to the offensive firepower with 10.2 points and 3.2 rebounds per game. Meanwhile, forward Avante Parker, a transfer from Georgia Southern, has made his mark by earning Third-Team All-ASUN honors, averaging 11.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and leading the team in blocks with 1.3 per game.
Off the bench, freshman guard Jordan Watford is a dynamic presence, averaging 11.9 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. His efforts earned him a spot on the ASUN All-Freshman Team.
Team Dynamics:
Queens is a scoring powerhouse, ranking 19th nationally with 84.9 points per game. Their effective field goal percentage stands at an impressive 56.7%, showcasing their offensive efficiency. Chris Ashby leads the team in three-pointers made, while Maban Jabriel boasts the highest three-point percentage at 44%.
The Royals typically roll out a starting lineup featuring Nasir Mann, Yoav Berman, Carson Schwieger, Chris Ashby, and Avante Parker. Key contributions also come from bench players Jordan Watford and Maban Jabriel, who see significant minutes.
Head coach Grant Leonard, who took the helm in 2022, has been a part of the Queens coaching staff since 2013. Under his guidance, the team has steadily climbed the ranks.
Despite being ranked No. 189 in the NET Rankings, Queens has shown resilience, especially against lower-ranked opponents, boasting an 18-4 record against Quad 4 teams.
As the Royals prepare for their matchup against Purdue, they carry the excitement and momentum of a team eager to make their mark on the national stage.