DeLand, Fla. — Stetson (3–4) dropped a 79–62 decision to Wright State on Tuesday night at the Edmunds Center, unable to overcome a difficult first half despite a competitive effort after the break. The Hatters showed balance offensively, with 28 points from the bench and three players finishing in double figures, led by
Jamie Phillips Jr.'s 17 points.
Stetson opened the night on a strong note as Phillips Jr. knocked down a three-pointer on the opening possession, assisted by
Alex Doyle. However, the Hatters struggled to sustain early momentum. Wright State answered with a lengthy run that flipped control, and despite Stetson generating quality looks, the Raiders' perimeter shooting created separation. The Hatters continued battling—highlighted by defensive stops from
Jake Johnson and steady playmaking from Phillips Jr.—but Wright State took a 42–23 lead into halftime.
The Hatters settled in during the second half, finding a better offensive rhythm and getting key contributions off the bench.
Matar Diop provided a spark with a pair of strong finishes at the rim, while Johnson added timely rebounds and defensive pressure that helped slow the Raiders' pace. Stetson also saw improved ball movement, creating open shots for
Ethan Copeland, who reached double figures with 10 points.
Despite the improved second-half push, Wright State's three-point shooting—14 makes on the night—kept Stetson from cutting the deficit to single digits, and the Raiders maintained control down the stretch.
Stetson Top Performers
Stetson now turns its attention to Saturday, Nov. 29, when the Hatters face Southern Utah at 2 p.m. at UPMC Events Center in Moon Township, Pennsylvania.
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.