LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Jalen Blackmon and Luke Brown combined for 41 points to keep Stetson's most successful historic ASUN Conference-opening streak alive. The Hatters defeated the Knights 80-51 Thursday night at Freedom Hall.

Stetson (10-6, 5-0 ASUN) have won two of the last three against the Knights. Bellarmine (7-11, 2-3 ASUN) have alternated wins and losses to start conference play.

Stetson got a quick start in the first half, going up 20-4 by the midway point of the first half. Led by Blackmon and Josh Smith, the Hatters were able to find their rhythm, which set them up for a successful game on the road. Stephan Swenson and Blackmon lead in assists gave the Hatters the push they needed to go into the second half strong.

It was a three-point frenzy in Louisville on Thursday night, almost nothing but three pointers for the Hatters to help stretch their lead throughout the game. Brown came in on fire in the second half, putting up 20 points throughout the half. The Hatters' effective offense led to smiles, cheers, and lots of laughs on the court. Brown went 6-of-7 from behind the arc and 7-for-10 for field goals, leading the Hatter offense in the second half.

Blackmon paced the Hatters with 21 and Brown close behind with 20. Josh Smith grabbed a game-high nine rebounds, pacing the Hatters in rebounds for the fifth consecutive contest. Smith notched 16 points with Wheza Panzo rounded the double-digit scorers with 12. Swenson recorded six of the Hats' 16 assists. Stetson committed nine turnovers.

The Hats continue their road trip in Kentucky at EKU on Saturday, January 14th for 3:00PM tip at Alumni Coliseum. You can also stream the game on ESPN +. The Hats make their way back to the Edmunds Center next Thursday, January 19th against Kennesaw State at 7:00PM.

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.