CHARLOTTE, N.C. (January 19, 2006) — The Royals defeat the Coker Cobras despite their two recent back-to-back losses to cross-town rivals Pfeiffer University (82-97) and Barton College (71-81) who is currently ranked third in the region.  Queens improves their record to 4-3 in CVAC play, 10-4 overall, and is currently ranked 9^th in the NCAA Division II East Region. Coker leaves the match 1-6 in CVAC play and 2-11 overall.

Despite their previous losses, the match between the Queens University of Charlotte men’s basketball team and the Coker College Cobras opened with a reminder of Queens’ excellence in a salute to senior forward Kendrick Harris for earning the crown of Queens’ All-time Leading Rebounder with 756 career rebounds.  Harris replaces Queens alumni and past teammate, Carlos Andrade who established the previous record (755 rebounds) in his four seasons at Queens (1999-2003). 

The Royals began the bout against the Cobras in the Oven on fire as junior Chris Jones scored the first two points of the game which he followed with a steal and an assist to junior guard Shamoni Faulkner.  The quick start had the Royals believing that their two-game losing streak was over.  But the Cobras lashed back at the Royals with a defensive effort that refused to allow the Royals to further penetrate the paint.  The Royals were forced to settle for poor outside shots that led to key possessions that Coker converted into points.

Conversely, the Cobras sought out the 3 and did not hesitate to launch from anywhere beyond the arc.  Coker ended the half 4-9 from 3-point land.  Not only did the Cobras knock down threes they were also able to dominate the offensive boards creating additional opportunities. 

With three minutes remaining in the half, the  Royals responded with a surge that began with a dunk by Chris Jones, followed by 2 more points by Esau Eatman in the lane, and capped off by a 3-pointer from Timon Farley.   The Cobras answered with 2 points, but Eatman would end the half with a deuce that put the Royals within 2 points (28-30).

Queens began the second half with a bucket inside the paint establishing a post presence that would later open up opportunities around the perimeter.  The Royals also stepped up their defense and prevented the Cobras from dominating the offensive boards and draining threes. 

A key 3-point shot by senior guard Timon Farley put the Royals up by five with 16:13 remaining in the game.  Posts Esau Eatman and guard Chris Jones continued to penetrate the lane opening up three-point opportunities for Farley for the remainder of the game.

The Royals beat the Cobras 70-57.  The victory was sealed by a dunk by Chris Jones on a fast-break.  Timon Farley led Queens in scoring with 19 points. Chris Jones dropped 17 points and grabbed 7 rebounds, Easau Eatman added 14 points and snatched 7 rebounds, and Shamoni Faulker contributed 10 points and 5 rebounds.

The Cobras were led by Johnny Jackson (12 points, 4 rebounds), Ryan Fulwood (11 points) and Michael Pierce (13 points, 5 rebounds).

The Royals will be in action again on Saturday January 21, 2006 at Belmont Abbey College.  The game will follow the women’s game and will begin at 7:30 pm. Coker will also return to action on Saturday, as they host Erskine College at 4 p.m. following the women’s game.