Queens basketball has reached a significant milestone by earning its first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance after winning the ASUN Conference tournament. The Royals secured an automatic bid by defeating Central Arkansas, marking a historic moment for the program, which transitioned from Division II to Division I in 2022.
This year’s NCAA Tournament will see Queens enter as a 15-seed, a remarkable achievement given that the team has only been competing at the Division I level for four seasons. The Royals have shown impressive form lately, winning seven of their last eight games, and they average 84.9 points per game while allowing 82.9 points.
Queens’ journey to the tournament is particularly noteworthy as they advanced to the NCAA Division II Final Four in 2003 and 2018, but this marks their first foray into the Division I tournament. The team’s recent success in the ASUN Championship has generated excitement among fans and players alike.
In their opening matchup, Queens will face Purdue University, a formidable opponent that has been seeded as a 2-seed in the tournament. Purdue is considered a heavy favorite, opening as a 22.5-point favorite over Queens. This presents a challenging test for the Royals as they look to make an impact in their inaugural tournament appearance.
Braden Smith of Purdue is also in the spotlight, needing just one assist to tie the NCAA record for career assists, adding another layer of intrigue to the matchup. Queens has faced five Power 5 programs this season, allowing an average of 102.6 points in those games, which raises questions about their defensive capabilities against a strong Purdue team.
As the tournament approaches, observers are eager to see how Queens will perform against a highly ranked opponent. The excitement surrounding their first NCAA appearance is palpable, and fans are hopeful that the Royals can deliver a strong showing in March Madness.
Queens’ achievement is a testament to the growth and development of the program since its transition to Division I. The team has demonstrated resilience and determination, and their journey will be closely followed as they compete on the national stage.
With the tournament set to begin, all eyes will be on St. Louis, Mo., where Queens will look to make history and potentially upset their higher-seeded opponent. The Royals are ready to embrace the challenge and showcase their talents in this prestigious tournament.
