The Queens University Royals are set to make their NCAA Tournament debut this Friday night, stepping onto the big stage as a former Division II powerhouse. Led by coach Grant Leonard, the Royals face a formidable opponent in the Purdue Boilermakers, who come in as the second seed in the West Region.
Both teams enter the tournament as conference champions. Queens clinched the Atlantic Sun tournament title, showcasing their mettle with a 21-13 record. Meanwhile, Purdue, boasting a 27-8 record, captured the Big Ten Tournament crown by defeating Michigan 80-72, marking their third conference title and first since 2023.
Let's dive into the box score from this anticipated first-round clash in St. Louis.
Queens Royals Stats
Starters:
- C.
Ashby (G): 16 mins, 6 pts, 2-3 FG, 2-3 3PT, 1 reb, 1 ast
- Y.
Berman (G): 14 mins, 3 pts, 1-4 FG, 1-2 3PT, 1 reb, 1 ast, 1 pf, 1 stl
- N.
Mann (G): 16 mins, 6 pts, 3-6 FG, 0-2 3PT, 1 reb, 4 ast, 1 pf
- A.
Parker (F): 12 mins, 4 pts, 2-5 FG, 3 reb, 3 ast, 2 pf, 2 stl, 1 blk
- C.
Schwieger (F): 14 mins, 5 pts, 2-4 FG, 1-3 3PT
Bench:
- M.
Jabriel (G): 12 mins, 5 pts, 2-5 FG, 1-3 3PT, 5 reb, 1 pf, 1 blk
- G.
Larson (F): 3 mins, 2 pts, 1-1 FG, 1 reb
- J.
Watford (G): 10 mins, 2 pts, 1-4 FG, 2 ast, 2 pf
Purdue Boilermakers Stats
Starters:
- O.
Cluff (C): 14 mins, 7 pts, 3-5 FG, 5 reb, 3 ast, 1-2 FT, 1 stl, 2 blk
- C.
Cox (G): 14 mins, 8 pts, 2-3 FG, 2-3 3PT, 2 reb, 2-3 FT
- T.
Kaufman-Renn (F): 12 mins, 10 pts, 5-9 FG, 2 reb
- F.
Loyer (G): 15 mins, 3 pts, 1-2 FG, 1-2 3PT, 2 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl
- B.
Smith (G): 18 mins, 15 pts, 6-8 FG, 1-2 3PT, 2 reb, 5 ast, 2-2 FT
Bench:
- J.
Benter (G): 9 mins, 1 reb, 1 ast
- O.
Mayer (G): 6 mins, 2 pts, 1-2 FG, 1 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl
This matchup is a classic David versus Goliath scenario, with Queens looking to make a statement in their first NCAA Tournament appearance. Purdue, with their seasoned roster, aims to assert their dominance and move deeper into March Madness. Keep an eye on how these teams leverage their strengths and adapt to the pressure of the tournament stage.