ROCKVILLE CENTRE, N.Y. – Three Knights scored in double figures led by the senior trio of guard
Shamar Chester (Queens, N.Y.) team-high 14 points, forward
Damiri Lindo (Oakland, CA.) 12 points and guard
Nasan Ayala (LeFrak City, N.Y.) 12 points as the Queens College men's basketball team battled the Lions of Molloy University inside Bob Houlihan Gymnasium Saturday afternoon.
After a slow start to the game, the Knights would get within six points before the Lions pulled away to defeat the visitors to the final score of 92-68.
With the loss, the Knights move to 4-5 in the conference standings and into a three-way tie for a postseason spot.
GAME RECAP
It was a sluggish start to the game as the Knights fell behind 16-2 by the 14:50 mark as they were held to 0-of-4 from the field and committed two turnovers.
Behind a three-pointer from senior guard
Jade Tse (Queens, N.Y.) at the 14:34 mark, the Knights would record their first made field goal to start a 10-5 run to get within nine, 21-12 by the 10:14 mark.
Just as the Lions answered back with five straight points to extend their advantage back to double digits, the Knights would continue to battle back on four separate occasions to cut their deficit down to single digits by the 5:10 mark.
With the Lions leading by 13, 36-23 with 4:14 left until halftime, the duo of Ayala and Lindo would lead an 11-4 run as Queens cut the home side lead down to six points, 40-34 heading into the locker rooms at halftime.
Over the final 14:34 minutes of the first half, Queens would outscore Molloy 34-24 with Ayala and Lindo combing for 16 points.
Throughout the first five minutes of play, Queens would continue to keep their deficit in single digits before the Lions went on an 11-4 run to pull away and earn the series split Saturday afternoon.
BY THE NUMBERS
- Chester recorded a team-high 14 points with two made three-pointers, three rebounds, two assists, and two steals.
- Lindo recorded 12 points on 5-of-10 shooting, six rebounds, two steals and one assist.
- Ayala off the bench recorded 12 points, five rebounds, two steals, and one assist.
NEXT TIP-OFF
Continuing ECC play, the Knights will use the week to prepare for their lone game of the week on Friday, Feb. 7 as they welcome the Redhawks of Roberts Wesleyan University to town. The Knights won the first meeting over Roberts Wesleyan to the final score of 94-86 in Rochester back on December 13, 2024. Tip-off is set 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 (Formerly Twitter) (@QCKnights), Queens College MBB (@QCKnights_MBB) and Instagram (qcknightsny), men's basketball (qcmensbball).
