CULLOWHEE, N.C. — Stetson (1-3, 0-0 ASUN) generated consistent defensive pressure and forced 18 turnovers but the Hatters came up short in a 76-65 road contest at Western Carolina (2-2, 0-0 SoCon) on Sunday afternoon.
Stetson set the tone early as Alex Doyle opened the scoring with a jumper, and the Hatters settled in defensively to disrupt Western Carolina's offensive rhythm. After the Catamounts briefly surged ahead, Stetson responded with one of its strongest stretches of the afternoon. The Hatters put together a steady mid-half push, highlighted by a smooth jumper from Calvin Sirmans III at the 7:37 mark that lifted Stetson to a 23-21 lead.
Stetson continued to apply pressure, converting turnovers into points and keeping the margin tight, but a late Western Carolina run created separation as the Hatters entered halftime trailing 38-33.
The Hatters continued to battle in the second half, with Collin Kuhl scoring on an early layup to keep Stetson within reach. The Hatters' defense forced multiple stops, but Western Carolina's perimeter shooting created a double-digit gap midway through the half. Stetson stayed composed, with Jamie Phillips Jr. knocking down late free throws and Doyle drilling a three with 42 seconds left to cap the scoring effort. Despite several strong individual performances, the Hatters were unable to complete a comeback.
Stetson Top Performers
Up Next:
Stetson returns home to host Howard on Wednesday, Nov. 19 at 7 p.m. inside Insight Credit Union Arena at Edmunds Center.
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About Stetson Athletics
At Stetson University, student-athletes don't just compete—they thrive. Located in historic DeLand, Florida, between Orlando and Daytona Beach, Stetson offers the perfect blend of competitive athletics, academic excellence, and an unbeatable Central Florida lifestyle. As the oldest private university in the region, Stetson supports approximately 500 student-athletes across 19 NCAA Division I sports. Nicknamed the "Hatters" after the institution's namesake John B. Stetson, a hat manufacturer who originated the modern-day cowboy hat, most Stetson athletic teams compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference, where they proudly hold the longest active membership since 1985. With top-tier facilities, personalized support, and a welcoming campus community, Stetson is where students can grow, compete, and succeed. Learn more at GoHatters.com or follow social media accounts @StetsonHatters.
