CHARLOTTE, NC --Jordan Wood scored 25 points and Mehki Ellison added 23, but the Stetson men's basketball team fell to the Queens Royals 96-87 on the road Thursday.

The game began with Josh Massey hitting a three-pointer to spark a 10-2 run for the Hatters. Stetson maintained the lead early, with several players contributing offensively, but Queens tied the game at 25. Wood responded with a corner three to put the Hatters back on top, only for the Royals to quickly reclaim the lead with a three of their own. The teams exchanged the lead multiple times, with Ellison finishing a strong layup and converting a free throw to put Stetson ahead, 33-31.After falling behind, Andrew Taylor in his first game of the season grabbed an offensive rebound for Stetson and found Ellison for three to tie the game at 35. The Hatters pushed the lead to five and entered halftime with a slim 41-39 advantage.

After halftime, Queens built a 59-53 lead, but Stetson responded with a 9-0 run to take a 62-59 advantage with 10:30 left in the game.The Hatters ended up falling behind by double digits and dropped their first conference contest of the season 96-87.   

Joining Wood and Ellison in double digits was Abrama Canka with 12 and Massey with 10. Massey also finished with the team lead in rebounds with six. The Hatters shot well from beyond the arc knocking down 13 threes.

Stetson will look to bounce back on Saturday when they face West Georgia. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. in Carrollton.