DeLAND, Fla. – Sophomore guard Jorah Eppley delivered a career-high performance with 18 points to lead the Stetson Hatters to a thrilling 76-72 victory over the High Point Panthers on Saturday afternoon at the Insight Credit Union Arena. Eppley shot an efficient 7-of-12 from the field, including three makes from beyond the arc. With the win, the Hatters improved to 5-5 on the season and remain undefeated at home.
The Hatters' bench played a crucial role, contributing 23 points to the win. Diawna Carter-Hartley added seven points in her season debut, providing a spark off the sidelines.
Three Hatters scored in double figures, with Tiasia McMillan tallying 11 points and Mary McMillan contributing 10 points, six rebounds, and four assists. It was Mary McMillan's third consecutive game with at least four assists, highlighting her all-around impact.
On the glass, Stetson out-rebounded High Point 32-28, fueled by Quentarra Mitchell's team-leading seven boards. The Hatters dominated the offensive glass, pulling down 16 offensive rebounds and converting them into 18 second-chance points.
Defensively, Stetson forced 18 High Point turnovers, which translated into 26 points on the offensive end. Eppley led the team with three steals, while Promise Keshi anchored the defense with a remarkable five blocks—the most by a Hatter since Anabel Ellison's six-block performance on Jan. 7, 2023.
Game Flow
The Panthers opened with a 16-13 lead, but the Hatters responded with a 9-0 run late in the first quarter, capped by a Cameron Thomas three-pointer, to take a 22-16 advantage—a lead they never relinquished.
Stetson extended its edge in the second quarter, using a 5-0 run midway through the period, highlighted by an Eppley three-pointer, to build a 32-26 cushion. Despite High Point chipping away at the lead, the Hatters held a 38-33 advantage at halftime.
In the second half, Stetson gradually increased its lead, entering the fourth quarter ahead 54-47. A decisive 5-0 run late in the game, punctuated by a Tiasia McMillan jumper, pushed the Hatters' lead to 73-61 with 2:26 remaining. High Point made a late push, but Stetson held firm to secure the victory.
Up Next
The Hatters return to action on Thursday, Dec. 19, when they host South Alabama at 11:00 a.m. to tip off the Hatters Holiday Classic.
Milestone Tracker
Tiasia McMillan is now just 51 points away from reaching 1,000 career points!
