The 2025 College Basketball Invitational (CBI) kicks off with an exciting first-round clash as the Queens Royals face the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks on March 23. Both teams aim to ignite postseason runs and cement their seasons with a deep tournament push.
The matchup between Queens’ explosive guard AJ McKee and Northern Arizona’s sharpshooter Jalen Cone could dictate the game’s outcome. McKee’s ability to dominate offensively contrasts with Cone’s lethal three-point range and clutch performances. Additionally, Northern Arizona’s Carson Towt, a versatile forward, adds depth to the Lumberjacks’ attack, while Queens’ Grant Riller provides critical support as a secondary scorer.
How to Watch Queens vs. Northern Arizona Basketball Anywhere
Date: Sunday, March 23, 2025
Time: 4:00 PM ET
Venue: Ocean Center | Daytona Beach, FL
Live Stream: FloCollege or SteadyFlix
Fans can catch the game live or on demand via FloCollege or SteadyFlix, ensuring no one misses a moment of the action.
Game Preview
Queens’ Road to the CBI
Queens, representing the ASUN Conference, finished the regular season at 18-14, highlighted by a pivotal 78-72 road victory over ASUN champion Lipscomb on February 18. Star guard AJ McKee fueled the upset with 28 points and seven assists, showcasing his ability to thrive under pressure. The Royals also impressed early in the season with an 88-82 overtime win against Davidson, a strong Atlantic 10 contender, underscoring their resilience against high-caliber opponents.
Northern Arizona’s Season in Review
Northern Arizona, from the Big Sky Conference, arrives at the CBI with a 16-16 record, buoyed by a late-season surge. A standout 69-65 home win over Big Sky tournament champion Montana on February 22 demonstrated their grit, as Towt posted a double-double (14 points, 12 rebounds) despite Cone battling foul trouble. The Lumberjacks’ balanced roster and defensive tenacity make them a tough out in postseason play.
CBI Tournament 2025 Teams
Here are the teams competing in this year’s CBI:
- Army West Point
- Cleveland State
- Elon
- Florida Gulf Coast
- Illinois State
- Jacksonville
- Manhattan
- Northern Arizona
- Presbyterian
- Queens University of Charlotte
- Incarnate Word (UIW)
CBI Tournament 2025 Schedule
The tournament runs from March 23–26, with the championship airing on ESPN2. Full schedule:
Sunday, March 23 (First Round)
- Manhattan vs. UIW, 12:00 PM | FloCollege
- Queens vs. Northern Arizona, 4:00 PM | FloCollege
- Illinois State vs. Presbyterian, 6:00 PM | FloCollege
Monday, March 24 (Quarterfinals)
- TBA vs. Jacksonville, 12:00 PM | FloCollege
- TBA vs. FGCU, 2:00 PM | FloCollege
- TBA vs. Cleveland State, 6:30 PM | FloCollege
Tuesday, March 25 (Semifinals)
- 7:00 PM | ESPNU
- 9:00 PM | ESPNU
Wednesday, March 26 (Championship)
- 5:00 PM | ESPN2
Key Storylines
- AJ McKee’s Firepower: Queens’ offense revolves around McKee, who averages 19.4 PPG. Containing him is Northern Arizona’s top priority.
- Cone’s Clutch Gene: Jalen Cone (17.1 PPG, 42% 3PT) can single-handedly swing games with his shooting. Queens must limit his open looks.
- Battle of the Boards: Both teams rank top-100 nationally in rebounds. Towt (8.1 RPG) and Queens’ forward Nick Hough (7.3 RPG) will clash in a pivotal frontcourt duel.
With contrasting styles and star power, Queens and Northern Arizona promise a thrilling CBI opener. Tune in Sunday to see which team advances toward the $100,000 winner-take-all prize!
