Johnson City, Tenn. ? A hard push at the end of regulation was not enough for the Hatters to come out on top this afternoon in a 61-53 loss at East Tennessee State.

The Hatters were led by senior Janene Maclin (Chicago, Ill.) with 14 points and seven rebounds.  Senior Kim Manning (Daytona Beach, Fla.) and sophomore Sharnesha Smith each followed with 13 points. 

After being down by as much as 18 points in the second half, the Hatters played hard defense to dwindle the lead down to six on a jumper by Smith with 32 seconds remaining .  

Stetson seniors Janene Maclin and Kim Manning led the first half for the Hatters.  Manning recorded nine points while Maclin put up eight points and six rebounds. 

The Hatters were plagued by turnovers, committing 15 in the first half alone. 

Stetson went on a 10-4 run to start the second half, coming within two points of ETSU. Turnovers, both forced and unforced, by the Hatters allowed the Lady Bucs to extend the lead back to as much as 18 before the Lady Bucs took the win 61-53.

The Hatters out rebounded the Lady Bucs 38 to 32, but ETSU was able to take charge from the field shooting 45 percent versus the Hatters 39.

Up next the Hatters head to Kennesaw, Georgia to take on Kennesaw State on March 4 at 2:00 pm.  After that the Hatters will head to the Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament in Dothan, Alabama.