Hatters Set to Finally Begin ASUN Season at North Alabama

Stetson men's basketball will try again as the Hatters visit North Alabama for their ASUN Conference-opening games, Friday and Saturday in Florence, Ala., one week after their original conference-opening weekend was postponed.

Both Stetson and UNA enter the upcoming weekend under similar circumstances.

The Hatters (2-4 overall) were slated to begin the conference season last weekend at home against North Florida before the weekend series was cancelled after members of the UNF program tested positive for COVID. The games have been postponed and may be made up at a later date.

North Alabama, meanwhile, endured a similar experience after the Lions' weekend series at FGCU was postponed after members of the Eagles' program also tested positive for COVID.

Stetson hasn't played since Dec. 19; North Alabama last took the floor on Dec. 20.

The Hatters enter play this weekend on the heels of their first victories this season. Stetson notched a 78-69 win against Florida Atlantic on Dec. 15, and dominated Carver College, 95-51, on Dec. 19, before taking five days off for the holidays.

Stetson sophomore Rob Perry and freshman Chase Johnston took home ASUN Player and Newcomer of the Week honors, respectively, for their efforts in those games. Perry averaged 15 points, 7 assists and 6 rebounds in the two games, while Johnston averaged 14 points and was 8 of 13 from 3-point range.

North Alabama (4-2) is led by sophomore Mervin James, who tops the team in scoring at 16.6 points per game, while also averaging 8.0 rebounds.

About the Game
•The Hatters begin their 35th season of play in the ASUN Conference on Friday. Stetson has been a member of the ASUN since the 1986-87 season and the Hatters are currently the longest tenured league member.
•The Hatters are 257-321 (.444) all-time in ASUN regular season games after going 9-7 last season and finishing tied for third.
•Stetson hasn't won a conference-opening game since downing Lipscomb, 65-63, in the 2013-14 opener in DeLand
•UNF has won seven straight games in the series, sweeping the Hatters in each of the last three seasons.
•Stetson's last win in the series was an 88-74 victory on Jan. 28, 2017 in DeLand. Derick Newton scored 26 points for the Hatters.

Under the Hat
•Six Hatters scored in double figures against Carver: Chase Johnston (19), Josh Smith (14), Mahamadou Diawara (13), Joel Kabimba (12), Rob Perry (11), Christiaan Jones (11). It was the first time the Hatters have had that many players with 10 or more points since also having six in a 94-88 win over Florida National on Jan. 1, 2018.
•The Hatters sank 11 3-pointers against Carver, and had 12 in their previous game against Florida Atlantic. This marks the first time Stetson has had 10 or more triples in consecutive games since the 2018-19 season when they did it against Longwood (12) and Edward Waters (11).
•Stetson's 12 3-pointers against FAU were not only a season-high, but they were the most for the Hatters in one game since also sinking 12 in a 77-63 loss at Longwood on Dec. 21, 2018.

About Stetson University Athletics: Stetson University's Athletics Program has a vision of developing a culture of champions athletically, academically and within the community. This vision is accomplished through a mission of recruiting and developing student-athletes, coaches and staff, creating a culture of champions, within and outside of competition. The department operates with five core values: Championship Culture, Integrity, Excellence, Pride/Tradition and Leadership. To learn more about the Vision, Mission and Core Values for Stetson Athletics, visit GoHatters.com and click on Mission Statement under the Inside Athletics tab.

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Players Mentioned

#15 Mahamadou Diawara: F/C; 6' 10"; Sophomore

#11 Chase Johnston: G; 6' 2"; Redshirt Freshman

#0 Christiaan Jones: G; 6' 5"; Senior

#35 Joel Kabimba: F; 6' 8"; Sophomore

#2 Rob Perry: G; 6' 4"; Sophomore

#12 Josh Smith: F; 6' 8"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

#15 Mahamadou Diawara
: 6' 10"; Sophomore
: F/C

#11 Chase Johnston
: 6' 2"; Redshirt Freshman
: G

#0 Christiaan Jones
: 6' 5"; Senior
: G

#35 Joel Kabimba
: 6' 8"; Sophomore
: F

#2 Rob Perry
: 6' 4"; Sophomore
: G

#12 Josh Smith
: 6' 8"; Freshman
: F

Stetson University Athletics

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Hatters Set to Finally Begin ASUN Season at North Alabama

Players Mentioned

#15 Mahamadou Diawara

#11 Chase Johnston

#0 Christiaan Jones

#35 Joel Kabimba

#2 Rob Perry

#12 Josh Smith

Players Mentioned

#15 Mahamadou Diawara

#11 Chase Johnston

#0 Christiaan Jones

#35 Joel Kabimba

#2 Rob Perry

#12 Josh Smith