NASHVILLE – A complete team effort with clutch shooting, gutsy defense and determined rebounding lifted Stetson over Lipscomb, 86-80 in overtime, Friday afternoon in Allen Arena. The win for head coach Donnie Jones counts as his 200th career victory.

"It took huge character and effort from our team," Jones said "It took the entire team executing to the end of the game [to get the win]."

Stetson set the tone early, after missing the first shot of the game, the Hats reeled off six consecutive field goals taking a 13-7 lead at the 16:07 mark of the first half. All five starters scored in the run with Swenson hitting two field goals, one behind the three-point line. LU kept the game within two possessions as the ASUN foe caught up to Stetson as the shooting went cold, eventually taking a five-point advantage, 27-22 with 7:33 remaining in the half, until Wheza Panzo nailed a three to bring Stetson back into the game. The teams traded the lead a couple times before Lipscomb took a one-point lead, 32-31, into the locker room.

The first two baskets of the second half resulted in a pair of lead changes. Twenty-nine seconds into the half Jalen Blackmon connected on a three to put Stetson into the lead, then Trae Benham put the home team back in front 11 seconds later. The advantage changed hands on the following two baskets and would become a trend through the majority of the second half. This lasted until Lipscomb built a five-point lead with 69 seconds left in the game, 65-60.

With time running out and needing points in a hurry, Swenson stepped up for the Hats. The junior guard started the climb with a layup and the foul at the 59 second mark. The Bisons got a jumper to fall on the other end on the following possession, 67-63 LU lead with 36 ticks on the clock. In hurry-up mode, Swenson fired a three then got a three to fall, 67-66 with 28 seconds to go. After free throws from fouling, Quincy Clark put the home team up by three, 69-66, with 19 seconds left. The Hatter offense flowed but struggled with swarming Bison defense trying to prevent the three-point chance. Blackmon zoomed by a defender, and the defense collapsed as the guard kicked out to Swenson. The junior nailed the game-tying three with .6 left on the clock. Lipscomb tried a desperation heave at the buzzer, but not remotely near the hoop.

The Hats remained locked in for the overtime segment with Blackmon nailing a three 27 seconds into the frame pushing Stetson in front, 72-69, and ultimately a lead that would not be relinquished. The Bisons chipped the deficit to one, 72-71, but that was as close as the host got as Blackmon then connected on the next nine points for the Hats. Swenson hit a pair of free throws as Lipscomb was forced to foul to generate possessions, and Luke Brown capped the win with a layup converted to a three-point play.

"I am thankful for so many great players, coaches and mentors in my life," Jones said when contemplating his 200th career win. "I have so much love for my wife and family for always being my side."

Swenson paced the team with a career-high 22 points, at least 11 of those in crunch time with the game potentially on the line. Blackmon was one shy of Swenson, dropping 21 that also tied his career high for the third time. Josh Smith (15) and Brown (11) both notched double-digit performances. Smith also grabbed a career-high 13 rebounds completing a double-double, his second in the last three games. Seven Hatters recorded steals, and the stat of the night may have been from the free-throw line as the Hatters converted 14-of-15 from the charity stripe.

Hatter basketball will takeover the Edmunds Center with a women's basketball then men's basketball doubleheader. The women's game will tipoff at 5 p.m., with the men's following 45 minutes after the first game ends, tentatively set for 7:30 p.m.
 
About Stetson University Athletics: Stetson University's Athletics Program is driven by a shared purpose. It is what inspires, motivates and binds us together. More than a task, a reason for being. THE HATTER PURPOSE is to create and provide an experience of a lifetime through teamwork and relationships to achieve excellence. This purpose is achieved through five Core Values: Communication, Integrity, Excellence, Value People and Commitment. To learn more about the HATS program and our Core Values, visit GoHatters.com/HATS (PDF). Get in on the conversation on social media by following Stetson Athletics on  Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. For video content, visit our YouTube channels: Stetson Hatters, Stetson Athletics and, for live events, Hatter Vision.