Daytona Beach, Fla – The #6 seed Stetson Hatters (17-14) were ousted by the #11 seeded Milwaukee Panthers (22-11) in the first round of the CBI tournament 83-87. The Panthers BJ Freeman's forty three points set a CBI record.

The Hatters would score the first four points to start the game and then at the 16:02 mark of the first half they would lose starter Josh Smith to a bad fall that would have him sidelined for the rest of the game. The Hatters and Panthers traded off baskets for much of the first half as the largest lead was six by Stetson. The ASUN newcomer of the year Jalen Blackmon would lead Stetson with sixteen points in the half. Stephan Swenson went a perfect 4-4 from the field and 3-3 at the free throw line to score eleven to help the Hatters to a 37-35 lead at the half.

Stetson would come out strong after the half as Mahamadou Diawara got into a rhythm to score six quick points to help the Hatters to their largest lead of the evening of nine points, 49-40 over Milwaukee at the 17:12 mark of the second half. The Panthers would continue to come back, lead by BJ Freeman who would score eighteen and go a perfect 7-7 from the free throw line in the half.

Stetson would tie the largest lead of the night at the 15:18 mark with a 54-45 lead, however Milwaukee continued to come back and trade baskets. Neither team could pull away as Milwaukee's Freeman would score a game tying basket with fourteen seconds left in regulation to send the game into overtime. Diawara would finish the half ending with a double-double in the second half alone of eleven points and ten rebounds.   

Stetson was unable to keep up with Milwaukee in overtime, as the Panthers won 87-83 to end the Hatters season. Stetson finished their season at a 17-14 overall and 12-6 in the conference.

Notes:

Jalen Blackmon would finish the game with a team high of twenty-two points, followed by Stephan Swenson's twenty points and four assists. Mahamadou Diawara's had a double-double of eighteen points and a game high twenty rebounds. Diawara's twelve offensive rebounds set a new CBI record. Stetson outrebounded Milwaukee 57-42, leading to twenty-seven second chance points. 

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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