DeLand, Fla. — Stetson (3-3, 0-0 ASUN) delivered a dominant offensive performance in a 99-80 win over VMI (3-4, 0-0 SoCon) on Saturday night at Edmunds Center. The Hatters set a program record with 21 made three-pointers and tied another with 30 assists, showcasing elite ball movement and efficiency throughout the night. Seven different Hatters recorded at least one assist, highlighting the team's unselfish play.

Stetson found its rhythm early after a brief back-and-forth start. Ethan Copeland drilled a three-pointer at 15:46 to make it 10–4, and moments later Alex Doyle buried a fast-break three to extend the lead to 18–8 at 14:03, forcing VMI into an early timeout. Jamie Phillips Jr. fueled the first-half push with a three-pointer at 8:55 and a fast-break dunk at 8:01 as the Hatters controlled both the pace and the perimeter. Although VMI briefly tied the game at 21 with 10:33 remaining, Stetson answered with another surge. Jamie Phillips Jr. hit a three, followed by a fast-break dunk, giving Stetson control and a lead they would not relinquish.

Phillips Jr. and Calvin Sirmans III hit consecutive three-pointers to start the second half, extending the lead. Copeland and Doyle kept the pressure on, knocking down multiple threes as the Hatters went on a 16‑6 run that put the game out of reach. During that stretch, Matar Diop powered in a thunderous dunk in transition, energizing the team and further igniting the home crowd. Defensive plays, including Doyle's block and timely rebounds, helped limit VMI's scoring opportunities while Stetson continued to find open shots. Stetson outscored VMI 55–42 after the break, locking in a commanding 99–80 win and completing their most efficient offensive showing of the season.

Copeland highlighted the strategy behind Stetson's execution, explaining, "A lot of their stuff was trying to take away passing to the wing and then to the corner, so we knew if we hit the high post we'd be able to pick them apart." He emphasized how quickly the team fed off each other's energy as the threes began to fall: "Once you see a couple go down, it's just contagious." He added that the performance reflected the team's identity and preparation: "This is exactly what we've been planning for and preparing for—this type of ball movement and selflessness with the ball. When three guys score over 20, that's unselfishness. That's winning basketball."

Stetson Top Performers

·       Ethan Copeland – 25 points, 7/12 3FG, 6 assists

·       Jamie Phillips Jr. – 24 points, 9/15 FG, 8 rebounds

·       Alex Doyle – 24 points, 7/11 3FG, 5 assists, 2 blocks

·       Calvin Sirmans III – 10 assists, 5 points

·       Jake Johnson – 8 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists

Up Next
Stetson continues its homestand on Tuesday, Nov. 25, hosting Wright State at 7 p.m. inside Insight Credit Union Arena at Edmunds Center.

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.