Daytona Beach, Fla. - Coming off a big win at Wake Forest the concern for the Stetson men's basketball team Tuesday against Bethune-Cookman was a potential let down. Although the Hatters did fall 78-66 to the Wildcats, there was no let down by the visitors. Stetson (1-1) battled from start to finish yet at times could not get its results to equal its effort.
Bethune-Cookman (1-1) defeated Stetson for the first time since December 3, 2007. Stetson continues to lead the all-time series 18-6.
Ridge Graham (Stuart, Fla.) led the Hatters with 16 points and Tyshawn Patterson (Orlando, Fla.) scored 12 points including 3-of-5 shooting from 3-point range. Joel Narburgs (Victoria, Australia) and Aaron Graham (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.) added 11 points and 10 points respectively.
Stetson shot a solid 46% (23-for-50) from the floor and a disappointing 54% (13-of-24) from the free throw line. The game was even under the boards with the Wildcats holding a 38-37 advantage.
The Hatters came out running and playing an aggressive style of basketball in the first half. Stetson went into the locker room shooting 42% while B-CU shot 40% and out-rebounded the home team 21-16. The difference in the first half was turnovers. Stetson gave the ball up 11 times to just four for Bethune-Cookman. At least four of the turnovers were the result of offensive fouls on the Hatters.
"I think the most telling stats tonight were that we had six assists and 21 turnovers. They did a nice job of forcing turnovers", said Stetson head coach Derek Waugh. "Bethune is as tough an opponent as we will see all year, especially on the road. They force you to play your best game to win, and we did not play our best game tonight."
The Wildcats attacked early in the second half with an 11-3 run and then increased their lead to a game-high 17 points four times. Stetson was able to get the lead down to 12 after a pair of free throws by Naburgs with just over a minute to play, yet that was as close as it could get in the end.
Next up the Hatters will return to the Edmunds Center to host UCF on November 23 at 7:00 p.m. Catch the game on Hatter Vision with 17-year veterans Murray Miller and Harry Arnold calling the action. Also be sure to follow the Hatters on Twitter at @StetsonSID (twitter.com/stetsonsid), "like" Stetson Athletics on Facebook and check out the official YouTube channel at youtube.com/stetsonhatters.
