DeLAND, Fla. – The Stetson women's basketball team stormed back from a third-quarter deficit with a dominant fourth-quarter performance to secure an 83-68 victory over Eastern Kentucky Thursday night at the Insight Credit Union Arena. The Hatters outscored the Colonels 33-15 in the final period, improving to 8-1 at home this season.
Stetson (10-9, 4-3 ASUN) saw five players score in double figures, led by Cameron Thomas, who poured in 25 points and grabbed two steals. It was Thomas' eighth game this season with 20 or more points. Quentarra Mitchell contributed 14 points, six rebounds, and five steals, while Promise Keshi was a force off the bench, tallying 12 points, eight rebounds, six steals, and four blocks.
Mary McMillan added 12 points and six assists, marking her eighth game with five or more assists, while Jorah Eppley chipped in 10 points, including a pair of three-pointers.
The Hatters put on a defensive clinic in the final quarter, holding Eastern Kentucky to just 4-of-15 shooting and forcing eight turnovers, which led to 18 points. Overall, Stetson forced 24 turnovers in the game, racked up 16 steals, and blocked five shots.
The game was tightly contested through three quarters. After trailing 12-10 early, the Hatters responded with an 8-0 run capped by a Tyra Myers layup to take an 18-12 lead. Stetson maintained that momentum, scoring 16 of their 24 first-quarter points in the paint and leading 24-19 after one.
The Hatters extended their lead in the second quarter, using a 5-0 run fueled by a Keshi basket to push their advantage to 32-23. Stetson's strong defensive presence and timely three-point shooting helped them take a 38-29 lead into the halftime break as Thomas scored right before the buzzer.
However, Eastern Kentucky rallied in the third quarter, outscoring Stetson 24-12 to seize a 53-50 lead heading into the fourth. Despite the setback, the Hatters stayed composed and responded in dominant fashion.
A 19-9 run early in the final period, punctuated by a Thomas three-pointer, gave Stetson a 77-62 lead with under two minutes to play. The Hatters closed out the game comfortably, securing the 83-68 win.
Stetson will look to continue its momentum on Saturday, January 25, when the Hatters host the Bellarmine Knights at 2:00 p.m. at the Insight Credit Union Arena.
