Eryk Thomas scored 20 points and Brad Nuckles registered a double-double as East Tennesse State defeated Stetson 75-61 Saturday night at the Edmunds Center.  The Hatters' conference record evened at 1-1 as they could not overcome an early deficit. 

"We shot 28 three's and that's probably what ETSU wanted," said Head Coach Derek Waugh.  "When you shoot 37% and turn it over 17 times you know it's not going to be a great night."

The Buccaneers raced out to a 10-0 lead four-and-a-half minutes into the game.  Four turnovers and three missed shots helped ETSU take a lead they would not relinquish.  In fact, the closest the Hatters would get came at the 9:35 mark in the first half when two free throws from Kris Thomas pulled Stetson with 16-13.

"I think we will continue to get better offensively," said Waugh.  "The thing that disappointed me is mentally I didn't think we were as sharp as we had been the last couple games."

Thomas's 20 led ETSU, while Nuckles stuck in 16 points and grabbed 11 boards.  Courtney Pigram scored 14 points after the break and finished with 18.

"They are a very good team," said Waugh.  "They have as much talent as anyone in the league."

Garfield Blair again led the Hatters in scoring with 14 points.  He also topped the team with nine rebounds before fouling out late in the game.  Eric Diaz went for 13 points and nearly sparked a Stetson comeback when he converted on a rare four-point play with 5:05 to go.  That cut the ETSU lead to single digits for only the second time in the half. 

The Hatters shot just 36.7% for the game, including 7-28 from three point range.  ETSU connected on 50% of their field goals and knocked down 27 of 36 from the free throw line. 

Stetson now awaits Florida State in a 7:00 PM tip-off Tuesday night at the Edmunds Center.

Box Score