DeLand, Fla. - A CSS regional television audience was treated to a back-and-forth battle featuring 21 lead changes and 11 ties Thursday night at the Edmunds Center, but in the end it was visiting Campbell (13-9, 8-5 Atlantic Sun) that got the best of the Stetson women's basketball team (5-18, 5-9 A-Sun) by a 70-61 margin. Senior forward Ashli Jackson (Opelika, Ala.) scored a season-high 18 points with six rebounds and a career high-tying three steals to lead the Hatters, who saw a seven-game home winning streak against the Lady Camels that dated back to 2002 come to an end.
Campbell led 29-27 at halftime, but a three-pointer from sophomore guard Lyllique Roman (Poinciana, Fla.) 15 seconds into the second period gave the Hatters a one-point lead. The two teams would trade blows for the next six minutes until Jackson drove an 11-0 run by canning a trio of three-pointers; as a result, Stetson led 50-43 with 12:20 remaining. A 9-1 Lady Camel run gave the visitors the lead back, however, and both squads resumed circling each other.
Kate Cloxton's three-pointer with 4:32 left put Campbell ahead to stay as Stetson converted just one field goal in the final 4:47. The Lady Camels used terrific free throw shooting (19-20, 95 percent) to hold the Hatters at bay. Jackson scored 15 of her 18 points and hit all four of her trifectas after halftime.
Roman also had a strong night for the Hatters, scoring 10 points and setting career highs with six assists and five rebounds. Junior center Natasha Graboski (Upper Sandusky, Ohio) scored nine points and had two blocks.
Courtney Cannon went nine for nine from the free throw line en route to a team-high 16 points to lead Campbell to the win; she also grabbed six rebounds. Ashley Williamson tallied a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds while Amanda O'Neill collected five steals for the Lady Camels.
Stetson is back in action Saturday at 3 p.m. when two-time defending A-Sun champion ETSU invades the Edmunds Center. Live Stats and Hatter Vision are available as always at www.GoHatters.com, the official online home of Stetson Athletics.
