DELAND, Fla. (Interstat) — Queens (N.C.) built a substantial first-half lead and withstood a fierce Stetson comeback to secure an 87-81 men’s basketball victory Saturday at Edmunds Center.

The Royals led 42-33 at halftime and by as many as 16 before the Hatters surged, cutting the deficit to two points late. Queens sealed the game at the free-throw line. Nasir Mann led Queens with 20 points. Stetson’s Jake Johnson scored 19 points and Collin Kuhl added 16.

Queens improved to 11-8 overall. Stetson fell to 7-12. An announced crowd of 821 attended the ASUN Conference game.