DeLAND—Five players scored in double figures but it wasn't enough to help Stetson overcome a 14-point halftime deficit as the Hatters dropped an 87-76 decision to IPFW, Wednesday at Edmunds Center.

Freshman Angel Rivera led the Hatters with a season-high 15 points but IPFW (4-2) countered Stetson's balance with four players in double figures, including 20-point efforts by Steve Forbes (22) and Mo Evans (20).

Though the game ultimately ended in defeat for the Hatters, Stetson (3-6) didn't go down without a fight. After trailing the preseason favorites in the Summit League, 37-23 at halftime, and by as many as 19 points early in the second half the Hatters rallied to make a game of it.

Down 52-33 with 15:27 to play, the Hatters went on an 11-1 run and pulled to within 53-44 on a Rivera layup with 11:40 to go.

IPFW used a 7-2 run to make it 60-44 and led 63-50 with 8:39 left, but Stetson responded again. Rivera drained a three-pointer, Kentwan Smith scored a three-point play, and Rivera made one-of-two free throws make it a 63-57 game with 7:36 left. But the Hatters couldn't get any closer as IPFW scored the next nine points to put the game out of reach.

Stetson shot 66.7 percent from the field in the second half, part of a 53 percent effort for the game. The Hatters made 10-of-23 from 3-point range, but their undoing came at the free throw line, where they made just 8-of-17 attempts.

IPFW shot 50 percent from the field and made 12 treys. The Mastodons were 23-of-33 from the free throw line, and out-rebounded the Hatters, 39-24.

Joining Rivera in double figures for Stetson were Smith and Cameron Harvey with 14 points each, Divine Myles with 11, and Grant Lozoya with a season-high 12.

The Hatters return to the court when they visit Davidson, 4 p.m., Saturday.

--SU--