College basketball is back, and the first game of the 2025-26 season didn’t disappoint.
A Fresh Start in Rock Hill
The Rock Hill Sports & Events Center was full of excitement as the Winthrop Eagles held off the Queens Royals for an 81-74 victory to officially open the season. Both teams came ready to play, and the lead went back and forth. In the end it was Winthrop’s composure at the free throw line that proved to be the difference.
The Eagles led 40-35 at halftime after a fast-paced opening twenty minutes. Queens hung around behind a few timely shots, and even captured the lead, but Winthrop’s defensive pressure and ability to control the boards lte in the game allowed them to pick up their first win.
Berry Leads the Way for the Eagles
Senior guard Daylen Berry wasted no time showing why he’s one of the top scorers in the country. He poured in 23 points and grabbed five rebounds, setting the tone with his steady play and attacking mindset. Whenever the Eagles needed a bucket, Berry delivered. Berry started all 32 games for Charleston Southern a season ago.
Winthrop’s offense found balance throughout the lineup, but their free throw shooting separated them from the Royals. The Eagles hit 25 of their 31 attempts from the line, calmly knocking them down under pressure to close out the game. They also nailed eight three-pointers, giving them just enough breathing room in the second half to hold off Queens.
Royals Show Fight but Fall Short
Queens made Winthrop earn every point. Yoav Berman led the Royals with 19 points and five rebounds, often finding ways to score against tight coverage. The Royals hit six shots from beyond the arc and kept the crowd engaged until the final minutes.
Still, missed opportunities and foul trouble down the stretch hurt Queens’ chances of completing the comeback. Every time they trimmed the lead, Winthrop answered from the free throw line or with a key three.
What’s Next in Rock Hill
The win sets the tone for Winthrop as they will go on the road to George Mason on Friday for their second game of the season. Queens looks like they could compete in the Atlantic Sun, and will head home to take onm Lynchburg on Wednesday.
The Rock Hill Sports & Events Center will stay busy on Monday as Bradley and St. Bonaventure face off in the next matchup on the schedule. If their game brings the same energy as Winthrop and Queens, basketball fans in Rock Hill are in for another entertaining game.