DeLand, Fla. — Stetson (2-3) earned a gritty 64-60 victory over Howard on Wednesday night at Edmunds Center, using defensive pressure, timely scoring, and a strong night at the free-throw line to protect the lead wire-to-wire. The Hatters shot 75 percent at the stripe (21-of-28), a steadying force on a night when every possession mattered.
Stetson came out sharp, opening the game with crisp ball movement and early rhythm on the perimeter.
Jamie Phillips Jr. put the Hatters on the board with a three from the right wing just over a minute in—part of an assertive all-around performance that included a season-high eight rebounds. Stetson's energy on the defensive end created immediate problems for Howard, forcing turnovers that allowed the Hatters to push the tempo. One of the early highlights came at 17:26 when
Ethan Copeland jumped a passing lane and finished a fast-break layup to extend the momentum.
The Hatters continued to dictate pace as the half progressed, using strong spacing and selfless passing to generate clean looks.
Jake Johnson caught fire midway through the half, knocking down back-to-back threes—the second in transition—to vault Stetson to a commanding 24-6 lead at the 10:20 mark.
Howard countered with more aggressive play through Bryce Harris, but Stetson's composure never faltered. Phillips Jr. capped the half by calmly sinking two free throws with two seconds remaining, giving the Hatters a 31-21 advantage entering the break.
Howard made several pushes in the second half, but Stetson continually responded with poise.
Calvin Sirmans III orchestrated the offense with confidence, delivering six assists, attacking the rim to draw fouls, and controlling tempo during Howard's surges. Stetson's defense also held strong, rotating well on the perimeter and limiting Howard to one shot on key late-possession stops.
Collin Kuhl, playing his most assertive game of the season, delivered multiple momentum-stabilizing plays. His late layup at the 5:11 mark halted a Howard run and pushed the Hatters back in front by two possessions. Kuhl finished with a season-high 14 points and continued to be a force on the glass and around the rim.
Howard's Alex Cotton hit a deep three with 12 seconds left to cut the Stetson lead to 62-60, but the Hatters showed composure once again.
Sean Morgan stepped to the line with six seconds left and buried both free throws, slamming the door on the Bison's comeback attempt and securing Stetson's second straight home win.
Stetson Top Performers
Kuhl credited Stetson's physicality and discipline as keys to closing out the matchup.
"I was just trying to get to my spots on the floor and finish the ball strong through contact," he said. He also emphasized the team's focus on limiting Howard's Bryce Harris: "We knew he's shooting at a very high level right now. We had to contest everything."
With back-to-back home games this week, Kuhl noted the group's growing rhythm: "It's just confidence with us right now. We just have to keep moving the ball, getting good shots and play tough defense."
Stetson continues its homestand Saturday, Nov. 22, hosting VMI at 7 p.m. at 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.
