DeLand, Fla. ? Stetson set a new school record for fewest points allowed in a game and won by more than 40 points for the first time since 1989 with a 80-35 route of Webber International Wednesday afternoon in the Edmunds Center. It was the second time this season the Hatters set the modern day record for fewest points allowed (36 vs. Johnson & Wales on 11/24). Stetson's last 40-point win was over Georgia State 106-63 on March 7, 1989.
Garfield Blair (Orlando, Fla.) led all scorers with 20 points and added seven rebounds in 28 minutes of play. Tyrell Harper (Midway, Fla.) led the Warriors with 10 points and eight rebounds. Stetson raised its overall record to 5-3, while Webber International dropped to 6-4.
It was a team win for Stetson as 10 of the 11 players who saw action scored at least two points and pulled down at least one rebound. Blair was an impressive 8-for-12 from the field and 3-of-3 from the line. Eric Diaz (Miami, Fla.) also scored in double figures with 11 points, and picked up three rebounds coming off the bench.
It was a big day for Sophomore Center Graeme Radford (Victoria, Australia) who had career highs in minutes played (14), points (8), rebounds (6), field goals (3-for-4) and free throws (2-for-4). He scored his first bucket on a layup at 13:04 of the second half and then tallied six of Stetson's final 10 points and pulled down a pair of rebounds as he attacked the boards coming down the stretch.
“I just wanted to get the ball up on the rim and give it a chance,” said Radford. “When I get my chances I try and get out there and do the best I can.”
The Hatters displayed their intensity from the opening tip off and jumped out to a 37-19 lead at the half. When the second period began they seemed determined not going to let the Warriors get back into the game as other teams have done this season.
“The guys came out with good energy and played a very thorough game. It was a complete effort,” said Head Coach Derek Waugh.
This was win number 97 for Waugh who won his 70th conference game Monday against Campbell. The victory was Stetson's third in a row overall and the Hatters are now 20-2 in their last 22 games at home in the Edmunds Center.
It was a day of Hatter season and career highs for more than just Radford. Picking up season highs were Sheldon Oliver (Orlando, Fla.) with nine rebounds, Tim Lang (Victoria, Australia) with three blocks, Kris Thomas (Lithonia, Ga.) with four assists, and Brandon Williams (Miami, Fla.) with five points and three assists. Hitting career highs were Oliver with four steals and Shawn Bowen (Montreal, Quebec) with six points and two assists.
Next up for Stetson is a pre-holiday trip to Columbia, Missouri and a date with the Missouri Tigers on Saturday at 7:00 p.m. The voices of Stetson men's basketball Murray Miller and Harry Arnold will broadcast the action; their play-by-play and analysis can be heard on Hatter Vision at www.gohatters.com, the official online home of Stetson Athletics.
Tickets for all Stetson home games are available on line at www.gohatters.com. For more information call the Stetson University Ticket Office at (386) 822-8110 or email at Hattertickets@stetson.edu.
