CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Interstat) — Two teams seeking momentum to open ASUN Conference play will meet Saturday when the Bellarmine Knights visit the Queens (N.C.) Royals at Levine Center.

Both sides enter the Jan. 3 matchup with identical 5-7 records, though their paths have differed. Bellarmine arrives following a competitive 85-99 loss at then-Kentucky on Dec. 23, where the Knights shot 54% from the field. Queens, transitioning to Division I, is looking to rebound from a challenging stretch against power-conference opponents, most recently a 65-106 defeat at Auburn on Dec. 29.

The game features a compelling matchup between two of the league’s top scorers. Bellarmine will lean on forward Jack Karasinski, who is averaging 21.5 points over his last four games. He scored 24 points in 30 minutes against Kentucky’s athletic frontline. Queens counters with guard Nasir Mann, who poured in 23 points and dished six assists in a win over South Carolina State on Dec. 12 before facing the rigorous road stretch.

Bellarmine has shown offensive potency, averaging 79.2 points per game, but has struggled defensively in losses. Queens’ results reveal a stark contrast; the Royals average 102 points in their wins but just 71.8 points in their losses, highlighting consistency as a key factor.

This contest opens the conference slate for both programs. The Knights’ schedule shows a quick rematch is set for Jan. 31 in Louisville. For now, each team aims to secure an early advantage in the ASUN standings. Queens will look to protect its home court, where it is 3-1 this season, while Bellarmine aims to translate its high-scoring capability into a road victory.

Tipoff is set for 4 p.m. EST Saturday in Charlotte.