The past 12 months have not been kind to Charlotte’s sports teams.
The Panthers had a 6-10 record in a disappointing follow-up to their highly enjoyable Super Bowl run. After a hot start, the Hornets have faded and sit outside the NBA playoff picture. Even the Checkers have struggled and are below .500 on the year.
But what if I told you there was a better way? What if there was a team that has won more games than the Hornets and Panthers combined since their season began in early November? Well you, my friend, are in luck.
The Queens University of Charlotte Runnin’ Royals basketball team is that better way.
Photo courtesy of Queens University
At 24-3, they sit atop the NCAA Division II Southern Athletic Conference and are poised for a run deep in the region and the national Division II tournament. This means that come March, you’ll never have to choose between the Royals and whatever perennial Division I basketball powerhouse you may cheer for again.
The Royals have been able to win roughly 90% of their games by using an exciting style of play that starts with a stated goal of hitting 10 three-pointers per game – a strategy that’s clearly working, as Queens has scored over 100 points in a game six times this year.
In addition to shooting the lights out, the team can play above the rim and fast breaks frequently end in rim-rattling dunks. In fact, earlier this season the Royals’ Daniel Camps was featured on ESPN SportsCenter’s Top Ten plays with a finish you’ve really got to see for yourself.
Photo courtesy of Queens University
Queens’ 24 wins haven’t come just from beating up on tiny Division II teams. to kick off the season, they beat VCU in an exhibition game – the same VCU team that just beat Davidson by 14 and is 20-5 this year in the Atlantic 10 conference.
The Royals are that good.
Tickets are cheap and the games are family-friendly. The team plays its home games at the Levine Center located in the heart of Myers Park and parking is free in the garage right next to the arena.
If you’re like me and are tired of watching your beloved Charlotte sports teams take L after L after L, why not throw your lot behind some high quality basketball being played in a brand new, easily accessible arena right in our backyard?
The Essentials
Who: The Runnin’ Royals of Queens University of Charlotte
What: A 24-3 basketball team
When: This Saturday at 4 p.m. versus Tusculum. It’s Senior Night! Details.
Where: The Levine Center
Why: Because since their season has started, Queens has won more games than the Panthers (3-5) and the Hornets (18-31) combined
Cover photo courtesy of Queens University
