DeLand, Fla. - Consistent effort on both offense and defense led the Hatters to their first victory of the season, beating conference opponent Kennesaw State 57-49 in overtime.
"We just never quit." said head coach Dee Romine. "Our kids played with a lot of heart tonight."
The Hatters were led by sophomore Sharnesha Smith, with a career high 21 points and senior Kim Manning tossed in a career high 11 assists.
"Sharnesha was huge for us," said Romine. "She was aggressive, creating shots for herself and her teammates."
Overtime belonged entirely to the Hatters. Senior Kim Manning and Janene Maclin hit key free throws and Sharnesha Smith pulled out a three pointer with four minutes remaining, to give Stetson the lead. From there the Hatters played tough defense and kept the Owls to just 49 points for the evening.
In the first half the Hatters started off strong, making smart offensive plays. Sophomore Sharnesha Smith (Kingsland, Ga.) led the offensive effort, finishing the first half with nine points. Senior Janene Maclin (Chicago, Ill.), played hard down low, grabbing six boards going into the half. Kennesaw played tough though, making the baskets when it counted, allowing them to take the lead into the half.
"I think we played really good basketball in the first half." said Romine. "But we struggled to put the ball in the basket."
The Hatters started the second half with a basket by Smith. Missed opportunities and turnovers allowed the Owls to take back the lead, scoring the five baskets to take a 33-24 lead early on.
The Hatters stepped up the offensive play, led by Sharnesha Smith. Stetson clawed its way back into the game. With three seconds left in regulation, Smith ran the ball in for a basket and sent the game into overtime. From there the Hatters took control of the five minutes of overtime play and won 57-49.
"If you play defense and stay with things you will find a way to win." said Romine.
The Hatters are now 1-0 in A-Sun action and 1-5 overall.
Stetson is in action this Saturday at 4:30 when they will take on East Tennessee State University at home.
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