DeLand, Fla. — Stetson men's basketball returns to the Edmunds Center for a three-game homestand, beginning Wednesday, Nov. 19, when the Hatters host Howard in a game presented by AdventHealth. The homestand continues with VMI on Saturday, Nov. 22 for Military Appreciation Day and the ASUN/SoCon Challenge presented by Pepsi. Both contests are scheduled for a 7:00 p.m. tip-off.
Stetson enters the week at 1–3 on the season and continues to be led by sophomore guard Jamie Phillips Jr., who is averaging 14.8 points and 5.3 rebounds while providing consistent scoring and strong two-way play. In the most recent outing at Western Carolina, the Hatters saw valuable production from their bench, including 12 points and five rebounds each from Collin Kuhl and Sean Morgan, helping Stetson stay competitive deep into the second half. Calvin Sirmans III has emerged as an early facilitator, tallying 20 assists to open his collegiate career. As a team, Stetson is shooting 40 percent from the field, 32 percent from three, and 59 percent from the free-throw line as the offense continues to find its rhythm.
Howard enters Wednesday's contest at 2–2, coming off a 72–64 win over Alcorn State. Bryce Harris leads the Bison with 21.5 points and 6.8 rebounds per game while shooting an efficient 58 percent from the field, 59 percent from three, and 77 percent at the line. Cam Gillus adds 11.5 points per game and has paced the offense with 20 assists. Howard is averaging 78 points per contest while shooting 50 percent from the floor, 43 percent from deep, and 73 percent from the stripe.
VMI begins the week with a 3–2 record and will face Richmond before arriving in DeLand. The Keydets are coming off a narrow 69–67 loss to Jacksonville, where the Dolphins hit the game-winning three with two seconds remaining. TJ Johnson leads VMI with standout averages of 25.0 points and 9.3 rebounds per game, shooting 49 percent from the field, 36 percent from three, and a perfect 24-for-24 from the free-throw line. Tan Yildizoglu leads the team with 22 assists, while AJ Clark anchors the defense with seven blocks and 7.8 rebounds per game. VMI averages 88 points per contest, shooting 43 percent overall, 38 percent from three, and 75 percent at the line.
This will be the first meeting between Stetson and Howard since 1932. The Hatters are 4–0 all-time in the series, with all four previous matchups played in DeLand in 1930 and 1931. Stetson is 2–2 all-time against VMI.
Fans can watch the game on ESPN+, and live stats are available at GoHatters.com. Follow Stetson Athletics on social media for the latest updates and coverage.
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.
