RIVERDALE, N.Y. – Competing in the Harlem Renaissance Classic for the first time in program history, the Queens College men's basketball team squared off against CIAA member Lincoln University (PA) Lions on Saturday afternoon inside Draddy Gymnasium at Manhattan University.
In a matchup that saw six ties and seven lead changes, the Knights had the final say after trailing 60–59 with 1:39 remaining. Following a pair of turnovers by both teams, senior forward
Tahj-Malik Campbell (Philadelphia, PA) powered to the rim for the game-winning layup, capping a career-high 28-point performance. Sophomore guard
Lleyton Fried (Harrisburg, PA) then knocked down a clutch free throw in the closing seconds to secure a thrilling 62–60 victory over the Lions.
With the win, Queens improves to 2–1 on the young season and earns its second victory over Lincoln in the teams' last three meetings, dating back to the 2016–17 campaign.
GAME RECAP
Queens fell behind 5–0 by the 18:01 mark before a three-pointer from Campbell put the Knights on the board at 17:33. Lincoln responded with a 7–2 run to take a 12–5 lead at the 14:29 mark.
The Knights kept the deficit within single digits before a three-pointer from junior guard
Dontae Prescott (Coney Island, N.Y.) sparked an 11–0 run from 8:36 to 4:14, giving Queens its first lead of the afternoon at 24–21.
Both teams traded baskets over the final minutes of the half, and freshman forward
Henri Mennander (Helsinki, Finland) converted a layup with eight seconds remaining to send the game into halftime tied at 29–29.
Lincoln opened the second half with a 6–0 run to take a 35–29 lead before junior forward
Ahmad Galimore (Bronx, N.Y.) ended the Knights' drought at 17:31. With the Lions leading 37–31, Campbell and Galimore combined for eight straight points, pushing Queens ahead 39–37 with 15:25 to play.
As the teams continued to trade buckets, Campbell caught fire, scoring eight consecutive points to give the Knights a 54–48 advantage at the 4:31 mark. Lincoln quickly responded, pulling within one at 54–53, but Campbell and Mennander provided timely baskets to maintain a four-point lead at 2:45.
However, the Lions answered once more, using a 5–0 run to go ahead 60–59 with 1:39 remaining.
After a sequence of turnovers by both sides and a missed go-ahead attempt by Queens at the :51 mark, Lincoln missed a free throw that would have extended its lead. Campbell would secure the rebound before Prescott delivered a perfect pass to set up Campbell's go-ahead layup with 18 seconds remaining.
Fried then came up big on the defensive end with a block and rebound before knocking down a free throw to complete a back-and-forth 62–60 victory.
BY THE NUMBERS
- Campbell posted his third straight 20+ point performance, finishing with a career-best 28 points on 10-of-17 shooting, along with seven rebounds, three steals, and two blocks.
- Mennander added nine points, four rebounds, and two assists.
- Prescott finished with six points, four rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
- Galimore chipped in with five points, four rebounds, and one block.
NEXT GAME
The Knights host their first home game of the season on Tuesday, November 25, as they welcome the Adelphi University Panthers to Fitzgerald Gymnasium. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:00 p.m.
For the latest news on Queens College Athletics, follow the Knights at queensknights.com or via social media on Facebook (Queens College Athletics), X Athletics Main Account (@QCKnights), Queens College MBB (QCKnightsMBB) and Instagram (qcknightsny), men's basketball (qcmensbball).
