FLUSHING, N.Y. – Playing in Fitzgerald Gym for the first time this season, the Queens College women's basketball team defeated Assumption, 59-48, in nonconference action on Sunday afternoon.  Junior Madison Rowland was the game's high-scorer with 22 points, while senior MacKenzie Rowland chipped in a double-double to help the Knights secure the win.

Assumption entered Sunday's game with a 5-0 record and atop the Northeast-10 standings following their unblemished start in conference play. Aside from a couple of early turnovers, the Greyhounds executed their sets and battled through what was a ragged first half. Both teams combined for 19 turnovers, and the Knights' 30 percent shooting from the field was only slightly outdone by the Greyhounds' 32 percent.

Foul woes ended up being the difference between the two teams. The Knights committed 13 fouls in the first half compared to only two by the visitors. Not only did the Greyhounds enjoy frequent trips to the free-throw line, connecting on 6 of 11 attempts, the foul margin allowed them to take advantage of a tentative Queens' frontcourt. Heading into intermission, Assumption led 25-19. 

The Knights fought back and took the lead on a layup by Mad. Rowland with just under five minutes remaining in the third quarter. An ensuing jumper by sophomore Melissa Fumano and another bucket by Mad. Rowland gave the Knights a six-point lead with two minutes remaining. At the end of three quarters, Queens led 38-33.

Even with her team leading, head coach Bet Naumovski urged the Knights to match their opponents' intensity, and freshman point guard Emer Maloney responded right away with a three-pointer to open the fourth. The Greyhounds converted on a three of their own from Morgan O'Brien before a pair of shots from Mac. Rowland made the score 47-40. With five minutes remaining, senior Kristen Korzevinski connected on a layup off an outlet pass from Mac. Rowland to put the Knights up nine and provide enough of a cushion for Queens to go on to win by the final score, 59-48.

Queens, ranked 17th in the latest USA Today Coaches Poll, improved to 3-0 on the season, while Assumption, 10th in the D2SIDA poll, fell to 5-1. In addition to scoring 22 points, Mad. Rowland chipped in five steals, five assists and five rebounds. Mac. Rowland contributed 14 points, 10 rebounds and four blocked shots. Leading the way for the Greyhounds was the forward tandem of Ann Marie Idusuyi and Jaclyn Storey, who each pitched in 11 points.

Up next for the Knights is a home game against another NE-10 opponent, American International, on Saturday, Dec. 5. Tip-off with the Yellow Jackets is scheduled for 3:30pm.