Queens opens its 2026-27 season Monday against local rival Winthrop in the Field of 68 Opening Day Marathon. The Royals enter with high expectations after being picked first in the Atlantic Sun preseason poll, while Winthrop looks to build on another 23-win season.

By the Numbers
  • 9 a.m. ET Monday, Nov. 2: tipoff at the Rock Hill Sports and Event Center.
  • Queens received 5 of 8 first-place votes in the Atlantic Sun preseason poll.
  • Queens trails Winthrop 2-6 in the series and has lost the last 5 meetings.
  • Winthrop went 23-11 overall and 13-3 in Big South play last season.
  • Caleb Jones averaged 27.7 points per game in the Overtime Elite league.
Yes, But

Queens’ preseason favorite status comes with a tough opening test: Winthrop won last year’s meeting, 81-74, and returns after another strong season. The Royals will also introduce several newcomers, including graduate transfers and freshmen, as they work to blend new talent with key returners.

What's Next

After the opener, Queens begins a three-game road trip against Loyola Marymount, Oklahoma State and BYU. The Royals’ nonconference schedule also includes LSU, Houston and Baylor before their home opener against Wofford on Nov. 14.

Bottom Line

Queens begins the season with a chance to test its conference-title expectations immediately against a familiar rival—and its mix of returning standouts and new talent will be under the spotlight from the opening tip.