Reggie Middleton scored a game-high 15 points to lead Winthrop to a 70-61 victory over Queens, N.C., on Saturday in both teams' season opener.
The Eagles established a comfortable 37-23 lead over the Royals at halftime, but were outscored 38-33 in the second half to make the score interesting.
George Valentine added 13 points and 11 rebounds for his first career double-double, while Justin Burton and Andre Jones contributed 10 points each for Winthrop.
Antonio Stabler, who grabbed 11 rebounds, and Brandon Nichols led Queens with 12 points apiece.
The Royals shot 4-for-23 (17.4 percent) from 3-point range but still managed to pull within six points with 2:32 left in the game after Reggie Hopkins made one of two free throws.
A 3-pointer by Jones on Winthrop's next possession put the Eagles back in front by nine, 62-53, with 2:20 left on the clock.
