The Stetson men's basketball team found home a sweet place indeed as the Hatters got by Palm Beach Atlantic 80-63 Monday night at the Edmunds Center.  Sheldon Oliver and Garfield Blair each tossed in 15 points to pace a balanced Stetson scoring attack.

Ten of the twelve Hatters who suited up turned in at least 14 minutes of playing time.  Eight of those ten scored at least six points.  A good portion of those points came at the foul line, where the Hatters hit a noteworthy 25-28.  Oliver was perfect 7-7 to help him to his early career high of 15 points. 

The Sailfish hung tough early, playing Stetson to within six points at the 3:22 mark in the first half.  But the Hatters went on a 12-6 spurt to end the half with a 37-25 lead. 

That advantage ballooned to 18 points three-and-a-half minutes into the second half after Blair hit two free throws.  The Hatters continued to pour it on and when Collins Okafor converted on a 3-point play with 6:21 left, the Stetson lead grew to 24 points. 

it was Oliver that stole the show, however.  The freshman from Orlando, Fla. scored his 15 points on efficient 4-5 shooting from the field, in addition to his perfect night at the line.  Oliver also led the team in steals with four and grabbed six rebounds. 

Palm Beach Atlantic and Stetson had played only once before, in 1996 with the Hatters winning by a similar 80-68 score. 

Following Thanksgiving break the Hatters will travel to South Florida to face the Bulls on Monday November 27th at 7:00 PM.

Box Score