COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Queens enters at 21-14 overall and 13-5 in conference play, with the strongest part of its résumé coming at home. The Royals average 84.5 points, move the ball well at 16.0 assists per game, and pair that with efficient shooting from the floor and from deep. Their 73.9% free throw shooting also helps in a tight finish. The concern is defense by implication of the market, but the offensive consistency at home is enough to keep them live against a ranked-caliber conference opponent. Winthrop is 23-11 overall and 13-3 in conference play, and the Eagles have been more efficient on the glass, led by 41.3 rebounds per game and 13.9 offensive rebounds. They also create more steals at 7.0 per game, which can generate extra possessions. The downside is their field goal accuracy at 43.6% and their uneven road results. That combination makes them dangerous, but not quite enough to justify taking them as the road side at the current market price.
Queens University Royals are projected to take a close home win, with the shot-making advantage and stronger home form tipping the game their way. Winthrop’s rebounding and pressure can keep this tight, but Queens’ efficient scoring and home-court edge should be enough for an 84-80 final.