LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Interstat) — In a tense ASUN Conference clash that came down to the final seconds, the Bellarmine Knights edged the Queens Royals 78-75 on Saturday afternoon at Knights Hall, avenging a 22-point loss from just four weeks prior.

The game, played before an announced crowd of 1,473, was a study in contrasting efficiencies. While the final margin was a mere three points, Bellarmine’s execution in key areas proved decisive. The Knights shot a crisp 50.9% from the field and an even more critical 88.9% from the free-throw line, converting 16 of 18 attempts. Queens, meanwhile, struggled at the charity stripe, making only 8 of 14, and required 11 more field goal attempts than Bellarmine to reach its total.

The contest was tightly contested throughout, featuring 10 ties and 15 lead changes. Neither team led by more than seven points. Bellarmine took a narrow 39-38 advantage into halftime and maintained that slim lead for much of the second half, answering every Queens push with a critical basket.

The most pivotal sequence unfolded in the final minute. With Bellarmine clinging to a 76-74 lead, Queens’ Nasir Mann missed a potential go-ahead jump shot with 12 seconds remaining. Bellarmine’s Sam Donald secured the defensive rebound and was immediately fouled. The senior forward calmly sank both free throws with six seconds left, extending the Knights’ lead to four and forcing Queens to attempt a three-pointer on its final possession.

Queens’ Yoav Berman’s contested three-point attempt at the buzzer missed, sealing the victory for the home team. The final possessions underscored the night’s theme: Bellarmine capitalized on its opportunities at the line, while Queens’ last-ditch effort from beyond the arc fell short.

Bellarmine’s balanced attack was led by Jack Karasinski, who scored 18 points, including two crucial free throws with 35 seconds left. Kenyon Goodin added 16 points, and Tyler Doyle contributed 13 points, five rebounds and four assists. Doyle also went 4-for-4 from the free-throw line in the second half. Brian Waddell provided strong all-around play with eight points, six rebounds, three assists and a key block in the final minutes.

Queens was powered by its interior duo. Avantae Parker dominated inside for 17 points and seven rebounds, while Carson Schwieger added 17 points, hitting five three-pointers. Yoav Berman facilitated the offense with 14 points and eight assists, and Nasir Mann chipped in eight points, four rebounds and four assists.

The loss snapped a two-game winning streak for Queens in the series. Statistically, the teams were remarkably even in many categories, including assists, steals, turnovers and offensive rebounds. The difference ultimately resided in shooting accuracy and composure from the free-throw line in the game’s closing moments.

With the victory, Bellarmine improved to 9-13 overall. Queens moved to 12-11. Both teams continue ASUN play next Thursday, with Bellarmine hosting Stetson and Queens returning home to face Jacksonville.