CHARLOTTE (February 27, 2025) – The University of North Alabama women's basketball team battled the Queens Royals all four quarters but dropped a 59-52 contest Thursday night from Curry Arena in Charlotte, N.C.

Defense and rebounding was the name of the game, as both teams combined for just 50 points in the first half, but North Alabama kept it close with the Royals. A second-half spurt from Queens proved the difference, using a third-quarter run to seal the home win. The Lions attempted to rally in the fourth quarter but came up short in the final game of the regular season.

The Royals took the early advantage in the opening period, taking a 15-12 lead thanks to points in the paint. Queens scored 10 of its 15 points with high-percentage shots, but North Alabama maintained striking distance.

UNA trimmed the Royals lead to as low as two in the second quarter, but Queens used timely offense to slightly increase its advantage to four at halftime. North Alabama locked down defensively in the period, holding the Royals to just 22.2 percent shooting after shooting 43.8 percent in the first quarter.

With a 27-23 scoreline at the break, North Alabama opened with a 6-2 start in the third to tie the game at 29. The Royals regained the lead, using an 8-0 run to increase the lead to 11. The run proved the difference in the contest.

Junior India Howard and sophomore Katie Criswell were North Alabama's scoring leaders, securing 14 and 12 respective points on the night. Howard also led in rebounding and steals for the Lions, registering seven rebounds with one steal. Graduate Sara Wohlgemuth secured the team-high in assists with three, and both Howard and junior Jazzy Klinge added one block on the night.

The regular season concludes for UNA on Saturday with UNA prepped for Senior Night against Central Arkansas on Saturday. Tipoff from CB&S Bank Arena is set for 6 p.m.

For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.