In its inaugural NCAA Division 1 Tournament appearance, Queens University faced a challenging matchup against the No. 2 seed Purdue, ultimately losing 104-71. Purdue's dominant physicality and rebounding led to a decisive victory, as they out-rebounded Queens 41-19 and capitalized on 20 second-chance points. Despite the loss, Queens showcased commendable teamwork and perseverance throughout the game.

By the Numbers
  • Purdue scored 59 points in the second half with 66% shooting accuracy.
  • Queens outscored Purdue in the paint 44-38 despite being out-rebounded 41-19.
  • Braden Smith led Purdue with 26 points; Nasir Mann and Jordan Watford each scored 10 points for Queens.
  • Purdue hit 10-of-16 three-pointers in the second half.
State of Play
  • Purdue established an early lead, showcasing its size by scoring eight of their first 11 points in the paint.
  • Queens attempted a comeback, but Purdue's offensive execution maintained their substantial lead.
  • Purdue's second-half run included a streak of 11 consecutive successful shots.
What's Next

Looking ahead, both teams have the opportunity to build on their performances. Purdue will aim to capitalize on their momentum in the tournament, while Queens will be focused on developing their young talent and addressing areas for improvement as they prepare for next season.

Bottom Line

This tournament experience marks a significant milestone for Queens basketball, highlighting their potential for future success and setting the stage for next season. The performance by recent players shows promise that the team can compete effectively at a higher level.