TAMPA, Fla. - Facing off against USF in Tampa on a late Friday afternoon, the Stetson women's basketball team fought hard but ultimately fell to the Bulls with a final score of 55-67.

The Hatters faced early foul trouble as the Bulls took an initial 4-0 lead from free throws. Despite the early setback, Tyra Myers responded with a three-pointer, assisted by Jamiya Turner, narrowing the gap to 4-3. Despite the Hatters' efforts, the Bulls embarked on a 13-0 run, featuring four three-pointers. Freshman Diawna Carter-Hartley interrupted the streak with a layup, assisted by Myers. Layups from Carter-Hartley and Turner followed, but a last-second three-pointer from USF left Stetson trailing 23-9 at the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter saw a resilient Stetson, as they went on an 8-0 run, including a three-pointer from Myers and baskets from Skylar Treadwell and Khamya McNeal. The three-ball came after McNeal came away with a steal which lead to Carter-Hartley making the pass to Myers. A USF three of their own ended the run but a pair of jumpers from Promise Keshi and Jamiya Turner gave the hatters a 12-8 advantage to end the second quarter, closing the gap to 31-21 by halftime.

After a back-and-forth start in the third quarter, the Bulls scored the first five points. McNeal responded with a pair of three-pointers, off assists from Keshi and Jordan Peete. Promise Keshi then added five points, stemming from an and-1 opportunity. Despite reducing the deficit to seven points, USF closed the quarter with two more scores. McNeal sunk a pair of free throws to end the third, as the Hatters trailed 48-39 at the end of the third quarter.

Entering the fourth quarter, McNeal continued to have the hot hand, scoring within the first 30 seconds and prompting a timeout from the Bulls. Peete's paint score, after the timeout, narrowed the deficit to five points, the closest since the first quarter. However, USF responded with a score of their own. Jamiya Turner's successful free throws and a three-pointer from Carter-Hartley, assisted by Jaelyn Talley, showcased the Hatters' grit . Despite these efforts, the Bulls went on a 6-0 run, interrupted by a three-pointer from Myers. McNeal added an and-1 opportunity, Jamiya Turner contributed two more points on free throws, and Peete scored in the final seconds. However, the game was already decided as the Hatters, now 0-2, fell 55-67 to USF.

McNeal led the scoring charge, scoring 15 points off the bench, shooting 5-9 from the field and 2-3 from three-point range. Myers added 9 points, hitting three three-pointers, and Jamiya Turner finished with 8 points. Carter-Hartley and Turner each recorded two assists, while Jaelyn Talley snatched 8 rebounds, including four on the offensive end.

Stetson shot 20-61 from the field, 6-19 from beyond the arc, and 9-13 at the free-throw line. They scored 22 points in the paint and capitalized with 15 points off turnovers. 

Looking ahead, Stetson will conclude their early-season road trip with a matchup against the High Point Panthers on Tuesday, Nov. 14, at 7:00 pm in the Tar Heel State.

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.

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