{"id":136601,"date":"2026-02-17T21:29:08","date_gmt":"2026-02-17T21:29:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/136601\/"},"modified":"2026-02-17T21:29:08","modified_gmt":"2026-02-17T21:29:08","slug":"mens-basketball-welcomes-queens-on-wednesday","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/136601\/","title":{"rendered":"Men\u2019s Basketball welcomes Queens on Wednesday"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>\n                    &#13;<br \/>\n                        Story Links&#13;<br \/>\n                        &#13;<br \/>\n    &#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<\/p>\n<p>                     FLORENCE, Ala. (February 17, 2026)\u00a0\u2013 The University of North Alabama men&#8217;s basketball team will wind down a four-game home stand on Wednesday as the Lions welcome Queens to CB&amp;S Bank Arena inside Flowers Hall at 6 p.m.<br \/>\n\u00a0<br \/>&#13;<br \/>\nThe Lions are coming off one of the most historic wins in program history, defeating EKU by an 84-78 final in front of 2,815 fans in CB&amp;S Bank Arena and in front of a national audience on ESPNU. This was the first nationally-televised home basketball game on a linear network in UNA&#8217;s history.<br \/>\n\u00a0<br \/>\nThis will be the penultimate home game for UNA this regular season, as Bellarmine will be the final opponent to visit Florence next Wednesday, Feb. 25.<br \/>\n\u00a0<br \/>\nWednesday&#8217;s game will air on ESPN+ with &#8220;Voice of the Lions&#8221; <a href=\"https:\/\/roarlions.com\/staff-directory\/benjamin-ray\/46\" rel=\"smarttag nofollow noopener\" rev=\"46\" target=\"_blank\">Benjamin Ray<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/roarlions.com\/staff-directory\/mike-ezekiel\/314\" rel=\"smarttag nofollow noopener\" rev=\"314\" target=\"_blank\">Mike Ezekiel<\/a> on the call. Fans can also tune into <a href=\"https:\/\/linktr.ee\/roarlionsproductions\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Roar Lions Productions<\/a> to listen to Bryan Neece via audio. Coverage will begin at 5:40 p.m. with the Countdown to Tipoff.<br \/>\n\u00a0<br \/>\nTickets are available <a href=\"https:\/\/ds6.glitnirticketing.com\/dsticket\/cms\/view.php?id=tile_MainPage\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">at this link<\/a> or by calling the ticket office at 256-765-5466.<br \/>\n\u00a0<br \/>\nFans are encouraged to arrive early for the game, as parking is limited due to ongoing construction. As such, the lot near the Hal Self Athletic Annex will be unavailable. Violators will be towed if parked in the construction zone.<\/p>\n<p>Lots A and B will be in the parking lot directly below Flowers Hall. Lot A pass holders will have coned off spots near the staircase. Shuttles will be available to take fans up to the field house lot for entry into CB&amp;S Bank Arena.<\/p>\n<p>Lot C parking will be in the parking lot below the Mitchell Burford Science and Technology Building. Residential Students will have access into Lot C with their hang tags. The public can also park in this lot for $12.<\/p>\n<p>Limited handicap parking will be available in front of the CB&amp;S Bank Arena ticket office.<br \/>&#13;<br \/>\n\u00a0<br \/>&#13;<br \/>\nDue to worship services, the College View Church of Christ parking lot will be unavailable for Wednesday&#8217;s game. Fans are welcome to park at College View for sporting events except on Sundays and Wednesdays. Students, faculty and staff can park in the designated area Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.<br \/>&#13;<br \/>\n\u00a0&#13;\n<\/p>\n<p>\nGAME INFORMATION<br \/>\nGame: North Alabama vs. Queens<br \/>\nDate: Wednesday, February 18<br \/>\nTime: 6 p.m.<br \/>\nLocation: Florence, Ala.<br \/>&#13;<br \/>\nVenue: CB&amp;S Bank Arena at Flowers Hall<br \/>\nCapacity: 3,000<br \/>\nGame Sponsor: Coca-Cola<br \/>\nPromotions: Shoals Stars, Youth League Sport Night, Mugshots Burger Challenge<br \/>\nWatch: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/watch\/player\/_\/id\/20390d1a-7589-475d-afc6-1017afb75e27\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">ESPN+<\/a><br \/>\nRadio: <a href=\"https:\/\/linktr.ee\/roarlionsproductions\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Roar Lions Productions<\/a><br \/>\nLive Stats: <a href=\"https:\/\/stats.statbroadcast.com\/broadcast\/?id=613680\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">StatBroadcast<\/a><br \/>\nTickets:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/ds6.glitnirticketing.com\/dsticket\/cms\/view.php?id=tile_MainPage\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Click Here<\/a><br \/>\nGame Notes: <a href=\"https:\/\/roarlions.com\/documents\/2026\/2\/17\/Game_26_Notes_vs._QUC.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Click Here<\/a><br \/>\nSocial Media:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/UNA_Basketball\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">@UNA_Basketball<\/a><br \/>\n\u00a0<br \/>\n\u00a0<br \/>\nNOTES<\/p>\n<p>LAST TIME OUT: Hosting a nationally televised basketball game on an ESPN linear network for the first time in school history, UNA made the most of the spotlight and pulled out a thrilling 84-78 overtime win over Eastern Kentucky inside CB&amp;S Bank Arena in Florence. The crowd of 2,815 and the national audience was treated to a thriller, as the lead changed 16 games and the game went to overtime. The Lions shot 11-14 from the free throw line in overtime to aid the win.<br \/>&#13;<br \/>\n\u00a0<br \/>&#13;<br \/>\nTOP PERFORMERS ON ESPNU: Sophomore <a href=\"https:\/\/roarlions.com\/sports\/mens-basketball\/roster\/kevin-de-kovachich\/4078\" rel=\"smarttag nofollow noopener\" rev=\"4078\" target=\"_blank\">Kevin de Kovachich<\/a> scored 18 points and hit the biggest shot of the night with 38 seconds to go, putting UNA ahead 68-66 in regulation. Senior <a href=\"https:\/\/roarlions.com\/sports\/mens-basketball\/roster\/donte-bacchus\/4076\" rel=\"smarttag nofollow noopener\" rev=\"4076\" target=\"_blank\">Donte Bacchus<\/a> led the way with 21 points, while redshirt junior <a href=\"https:\/\/roarlions.com\/sports\/mens-basketball\/roster\/corneilous-williams\/4084\" rel=\"smarttag nofollow noopener\" rev=\"4084\" target=\"_blank\">Corneilous Williams<\/a> had 16 points and 15 rebounds.\u00a0 Sixth-year senior <a href=\"https:\/\/roarlions.com\/sports\/mens-basketball\/roster\/dallas-howell\/4079\" rel=\"smarttag nofollow noopener\" rev=\"4079\" target=\"_blank\">Dallas Howell<\/a> and true freshman <a href=\"https:\/\/roarlions.com\/sports\/mens-basketball\/roster\/cortez-graham-howard\/4136\" rel=\"smarttag nofollow noopener\" rev=\"4136\" target=\"_blank\">Cortez Graham-Howard<\/a> had major moments and both had 11 points and six rebounds.<br \/>&#13;<br \/>\n\u00a0<br \/>&#13;<br \/>\nSCOUTING THE LIONS: With four games remaining in the regular season, the Lions have an opportunity to improve their 3-11 record in ASUN play and carry momentum into the ASUN Championship tournament in March. All 12 teams will make the tournament this season. The Lions are just two games out of eighth place and three games back from fifth. Bacchus continues to lead the Lions with 15.3 PPG and 16.7 PPG in league play.<\/p>\n<p>SCOUTING THE ROYALS: Queens is 15-12 overall and 10-4 in conference play, enjoying one of the best seasons in the program&#8217;s short Division I history so far. The Royals will have at least 15 wins for the third time since the move to Division I in 2022. Queens is currently third in the standings and is vying for one of the top four seeds in the upcoming ASUN Championship at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville. The Royals are led by five starters in double figure scoring, led by senior guard Nasir Mann with 12.7 PPG. Grant Leonard is in his fourth season as the head coach with a 67-61 record.<\/p>\n<p>SERIES HISTORY: Queens has a slight 3-2 advantage in the all-time series following an 87-62 win in Charlotte last month. The home team has won each game in the series. The last time Queens visited UNA was February 26, 2025 as UNA won 74-69 to clinch a share of the ASUN Regular Season Championship. This was also <a href=\"https:\/\/roarlions.com\/sports\/mens-basketball\/roster\/coaches\/tony-pujol\/874\" rel=\"smarttag nofollow noopener\" rev=\"874\" target=\"_blank\">Tony Pujol<\/a>&#8216;s 100th win as a head coach.<\/p>\n<p>NOTES FROM THE LAST MEETING: Four Lions scored in double figures the last time UNA played Queens \u2014 a visit to Charlotte on Jan. 21. UNA trailed just 56-51 with 11:06 remaining, but the Royals went on a scoring surge in the final 10 minutes to pull away. Sophomore <a href=\"https:\/\/roarlions.com\/sports\/mens-basketball\/roster\/kevin-de-kovachich\/4078\" rel=\"smarttag nofollow noopener\" rev=\"4078\" target=\"_blank\">Kevin de Kovachich<\/a> led the Lions with 15 points, including a perfect 10-10 from the free throw line. Redshirt junior <a href=\"https:\/\/roarlions.com\/sports\/mens-basketball\/roster\/corneilous-williams\/4084\" rel=\"smarttag nofollow noopener\" rev=\"4084\" target=\"_blank\">Corneilous Williams<\/a> added 12 points and five rebounds, while junior <a href=\"https:\/\/roarlions.com\/sports\/mens-basketball\/roster\/canin-jefferson\/4080\" rel=\"smarttag nofollow noopener\" rev=\"4080\" target=\"_blank\">Canin Jefferson<\/a> added 11 points.<\/p>\n<p>SENIOR SCORER: <a href=\"https:\/\/roarlions.com\/sports\/mens-basketball\/roster\/donte-bacchus\/4076\" rel=\"smarttag nofollow noopener\" rev=\"4076\" target=\"_blank\">Donte Bacchus<\/a> has scored 20 or more points in seven games this season, including five of the last seven games. He ranks ninth in the conference with his 15.3 PPG and ranks seventh in ASUN games with 16.7 PPG. He had 21 points to lead the way against EKU.<\/p>\n<p>BACK TO FORM: <a href=\"https:\/\/roarlions.com\/sports\/mens-basketball\/roster\/corneilous-williams\/4084\" rel=\"smarttag nofollow noopener\" rev=\"4084\" target=\"_blank\">Corneilous Williams<\/a> led the ASUN in rebounding last season and has led the league for almost the entirety of this season. Williams has only entered four games this year without being the ASUN&#8217;s leading rebounder. He is currently tied with Shelton Williams-Dryden of West Georgia with 9.5 RPG.<\/p>\n<p>SIXTH-YEAR SENIOR: <a href=\"https:\/\/roarlions.com\/sports\/mens-basketball\/roster\/dallas-howell\/4079\" rel=\"smarttag nofollow noopener\" rev=\"4079\" target=\"_blank\">Dallas Howell<\/a> is the longest-tenured member of the program with six seasons at UNA, including a COVID-19 season and an injury redshirt last season. He is one just seven players in Division to play for six seasons, but he is the only one to play all six at the same school. The other schools with a sixth-year player include Oklahoma, Iowa State, USC, Texas, Bowling Green and Tarleton State.<\/p>\n<p>STAYING OUT OF FOUL TROUBLE: UNA currently ranks 23rd in the country with only 15.0 fouls per game. The top mark is only 12.1 fouls per game by South Alabama. On Sunday, the Lions did go above average with 18 fouls but was able to go to the line 46 times on 28 fouls from EKU.<\/p>\n<p>SHOWING UP: UNA looks to lead the ASUN in average attendance for a second straight season, currently averaging 2,343 fans per game. The Lions averaged 2,367 fans per game last season, ranking ahead of FGCU and Lipscomb in second and third, respectively.<\/p>\n<p>For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.roarlions.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">www.roarlions.com<\/a>\u00a0and follow UNA Athletics on\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/unaathletics\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/unaathletics\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/UNAAthletics\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/UNAAthletics\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Twitter<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/una_athletics\/\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/una_athletics\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Instagram<\/a>.\u00a0<br \/>&#13;<br \/>\n\u00a0<br \/>&#13;<br \/>\n\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>                <script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><script async src=\"\/\/www.instagram.com\/embed.js\"><\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"&#13; Story Links&#13; &#13; &#13; &#13; FLORENCE, Ala. (February 17, 2026)\u00a0\u2013 The University of North Alabama men&#8217;s basketball&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":136602,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[37],"tags":[9,24,63,122,124,123],"class_list":["post-136601","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-queens","tag-new-york","tag-new-york-city","tag-nyc","tag-queens","tag-queens-headlines","tag-queens-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/136601","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=136601"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/136601\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/136602"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=136601"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=136601"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=136601"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}