Queens University Earns First NCAA Tournament Berth With Overtime Win

Chris Ashby's 10 3-pointers and 34 points lead Queens past Central Arkansas despite Camren Hunter's 49-point performance

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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In a thrilling Atlantic Sun Tournament matchup, the Queens University Royals secured their first-ever NCAA Tournament berth with a 98-93 overtime victory over the Central Arkansas Bears. Chris Ashby led the way for Queens, draining 10 3-pointers and scoring 34 points, while Central Arkansas' Camren Hunter put on a spectacular individual performance with 49 points.

Why it matters

This win marks a historic milestone for the Queens University basketball program, which is in just its fourth season of Division I play. The Royals' first NCAA Tournament appearance will bring increased exposure and excitement to the school and its community. Meanwhile, Central Arkansas' narrow defeat is a heartbreaker, as the Bears were also seeking their inaugural NCAA Tournament bid.

The details

Queens University built an 11-point lead late in the fourth quarter, but Central Arkansas stormed back with a 20-point scoring outburst from Camren Hunter to tie the game at 82 and force overtime. In the extra period, Chris Ashby scored the first five points for Queens, and the Royals held on to win 98-93. Ashby finished the game with a tournament-record 10 made 3-pointers, while Hunter's 49 points set a new tournament high.

  • The game was played on March 8, 2026 in Jacksonville, Florida.
  • Queens University is in its fourth season of Division I play.

The players

Chris Ashby

The standout guard for Queens University, who made 10 3-pointers and scored 34 points to lead his team to the NCAA Tournament in their first year of eligibility.

Camren Hunter

The star player for Central Arkansas, who scored a tournament-record 49 points in the losing effort against Queens University.

Queens University Royals

The basketball team from Queens University in Charlotte, North Carolina, which earned its first-ever NCAA Tournament berth with the overtime win.

Central Arkansas Bears

The basketball team from the University of Central Arkansas, which came up just short of its first NCAA Tournament appearance despite Camren Hunter's heroic performance.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

Queens University's historic win not only secures the program's first NCAA Tournament berth, but also highlights the growth and potential of the school's basketball team. Meanwhile, Central Arkansas' narrow defeat is a tough pill to swallow, but the Bears can take solace in Camren Hunter's record-breaking individual performance.