JCSU Can't Overcome Slow Start, Falls to No. 4 Queens, 74-61

Charlotte, N.C. (Nov. 18, 2017) – Visiting Queens University used a 12-3 run to start the game and never trailed again, downing Johnson C. Smith University 74-61 in men's basketball action in the Claude Saunders/JCSU Tip Off Classic at Brayboy Gym on Saturday afternoon.

After JCSU held a brief 3-2 lead, Queens built a 12-point lead at the 13:12 mark following a Lewis Diankulu free throw to make it 17-5.

Queens held the advantage most of the way in the first half, but the Golden Bulls steadily chipped away at the Royal lead, cutting it to two points and 25-23 at the 2:47 mark and eventually tying the game at 25-25 after a layup by senior guard Robert Davis (West Friendship, Md.) with 1:43 before halftime.

Queens responded with two baskets from Shaun Willett to provide the 29-25 halftime margin.

Queens grabbed a 10-point cushion just 28 seconds into the second half, going on a 6-0 run to begin the second half.  The Royal lead would balloon to as many as 19 points (58-39) with 10:04 left following a Jalin Alexander three-pointer.

The Golden Bulls would get no closer than eight points (67-59) the rest of the way, as fourth-ranked Queens ran their record to 5-0.

All five Queens starters scored in double-figures, with Ike Agusi leading the way with 14 points.  Teammate Mike Davis had 13 while Alexander, Diankulu and Todd Withers each had 11.

JCSU's Robert Davis had a game-high 21 points while senior teammate Christian Kirchman (Roanoke, Va.) managed 20 points.  Roddric Ross (Forest City, N.C.) continued his solid early-season play, with seven points and a team-high eight rebounds.

As a team, JCSU shot 35.8% (24-of-67) from the field and managed just a 19.0% (4-of-21) mark from long range.

JCSU now stands at 3-2 on the season and will return to the floor on Tuesday night, Nov. 21, hosting Lees-McRae at 7:00 p.m.