Queens delivers stunning road comeback that should put the rest of the College Basketball on notice

Queens University has already provided college basketball fans with one of the most entertaining finishes of the opening week. The Royals traveled across the country to face Loyola Marymount on Wednesday night, fell behind by 12 points during the second half and appeared headed toward their first defeat of the season. Instead, Grant Leonard's team delivered a remarkable comeback that ended with a game-winning free throw and a 96–95 victory in Los Angeles.

Jordan Watford made the decisive free throw with two seconds remaining, completing a comeback that demonstrated the resilience of a Queens team attempting to establish itself as the undisputed ASUN team to beat. Nasir Mann delivered a career-high 28 points, while Watford added 20 as the Royals improved to 2–0.

The victory was particularly impressive because it came in Queens' first true road game of the season. Loyola Marymount plays in the West Coast Conference and entered the contest with a talented roster capable of creating problems on both ends of the floor. The Lions appeared to have established control during the second half, but Queens refused to allow the game to slip away.

A 12-point deficit couldn't stop the Royals

Queens began the game aggressively, building a 10-point advantage during the opening half. Mann was especially effective early, repeatedly finding scoring opportunities while the Royals created problems for Loyola Marymount's defense.

The Lions responded with a 22–9 run to close the half, taking a 53–50 advantage into the locker room. Loyola Marymount continued to create opportunities after halftime and eventually established a 78–66 lead with approximately 10 minutes remaining.

That appeared to be the turning point. Queens was playing on the road against a quality opponent, had surrendered its early momentum and faced a double-digit deficit with limited time remaining.

The Royals responded by attacking the basket, improving their defensive execution and making timely plays. Isaiah Henry connected on an important three-pointer, while Dante Kearse provided valuable minutes off the bench.

Queens gradually reduced the deficit, although Loyola Marymount continued to answer with important baskets of its own.

With 1:24 remaining, Jevon Porter connected on a three-pointer to give the Lions a 95–90 advantage. Queens needed another response, and the Royals delivered one.

Jordan Watford takes over in the final seconds

Mann connected on a three-pointer to reduce Loyola Marymount's advantage to 95–93, keeping Queens within striking distance. The Royals then forced a defensive stop and gave Watford an opportunity to tie the game.

Watford attacked the basket and converted a layup with 25 seconds remaining, pulling Queens even at 95. The Royals followed with another important defensive play when Caleb Jones created a steal, giving his team an opportunity to take the final shot.

Watford attacked the basket again and drew a foul with just over two seconds remaining.

The sophomore missed his first free throw, creating a tense moment with the game still tied. He calmly converted the second attempt, giving Queens a 96–95 advantage that survived Loyola Marymount's final possession.

Watford finished with 20 points, including 13 during the second half. Mann was even more efficient, making 11 of his 13 field-goal attempts and five of six three-pointers on his way to 28 points.

Isaiah Henry added 13 points, seven rebounds and four assists, giving Queens another important contribution in a game that required several players to make decisive plays.

Queens is building something worth watching

The victory gives Queens consecutive wins to begin the season after opening with a 103–98 victory over Winthrop. The Royals have already demonstrated an ability to score at a high level, averaging 99.5 points through their first two games.

Their offensive production is encouraging, but the resilience demonstrated Wednesday could become even more important once ASUN competition begins.

Queens entered the season as the preseason favorite in the conference, creating expectations that Leonard's team will compete for another championship. The Royals have embraced an aggressive offensive approach, and their ability to generate scoring opportunities from several different positions makes them difficult to defend.

Wednesday also demonstrated that Queens can remain competitive when the game becomes uncomfortable. The Royals surrendered a substantial second-half lead, fell behind by double figures and still found a way to win.

That type of experience can become valuable later in the season.

The schedule won't become any easier. Queens visits Oklahoma State on Friday before traveling to BYU next Tuesday, giving the Royals two additional opportunities to test themselves against programs from the Big 12.

Those games will provide a much clearer indication of how competitive Queens can become against nationally respected opponents.

For now, the Royals have an impressive road victory, an unbeaten record and one of the most memorable finishes of college basketball's opening week.

Queens may not receive the same national attention as the country's biggest programs, but Wednesday's performance offered another reason to pay attention to what Leonard is building in Charlotte.

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