DELAND, Fla. – With a 49-point second half, Hatter men's basketball blew past North Alabama, 79-57, Thursday night in the Edmunds Center.
Stetson (12-10, 7-4 ASUN) collected its six home win of the year. North Alabama's (13-11, 5-6 ASUN) four game win streak was snapped.
It was an unambitious start as both defense were locked in from the start with the visitors slowly building a seven-point advantage over the first four minutes, 11-4.
Cyncier Harrison subbed in and on his first offensive trip down the floor converted a jumper to spark the Hats' offense. After a defensive stop,
Luke Brown buried a three to cut the early deficit to one-possession before
Wheza Panzo drilled a three to tie the game at 11 at the 11:15 mark.
The defensive trend continued with the game remaining highly contested as the teams kept within two possessions through the end of the half with
Aubin Gateretse throwing down a two-handed slam to end the half, Hats in front by the slimmest margin possible, 30-29.
The tactical chess match continued with the teams trading barbs and the close play continuing until Stetson put together a six point run, going up 41-33 after
Jalen Blackmon knocked down a jumper. On the return trip down the floor UNA's Damian Forrest got loose and threw down a dunk. Following the impact play, Forrest glared at a Stetson defender directly in front of a referee and was assessed with a Class A Technical foul. Blackmon sank both free throws then connected for three on the possession following to give the first double-digit lead of the night to the Hatters, 46-35. The advantage did not dip below 10 the rest of the game as the Hatter offense remained lights out for the remainder of their seventh ASUN victory.
Blackmon paced the Hatters with 22 with seven of his field goals inside the arc. Panzo was the only other Hat in double digits with 19.
Mahamadou Diawara was a ball hawk in the paint with 10 rebounds in 13 minutes on the court and a massive block. Panzo set a new season high with his game-high three blocks. Stetson posted eight blocked shots to go with 14 assists on 26 made baskets with 12 turnovers. The Hats also won the rebound battle, 39-32.
The Hatters stay in the Edmunds Center where they await Central Arkansas, that game will take place on Saturday with a 2 p.m. tip.
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).
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