KINGSTON, R.I. — Stetson opened its 2025–26 season on the road Monday night, falling 93-62 to Rhode Island at the Thomas M. Ryan Center. The Hatters showed flashes of potential throughout the contest, highlighted by a strong performance from Jamie Phillips Jr. and promising debuts from several newcomers.
Rhode Island opened the game with a quick basket, but Phillips Jr. answered for Stetson with a jumper to even the score at 2-2. Phillips went on to pace the Hatters in the first half with a mix of midrange shots and a three-pointer, helping keep the game within reach early. Ethan Copeland added a pair of timely three-pointers, including one at the 10:48 mark that trimmed Rhode Island's lead to 20-13.
Sean Morgan and Matar Diop also contributed key first-half baskets, with Diop throwing down a dunk at 6:32 to keep Stetson within striking distance. Freshman guard Calvin Sirmans III closed the half by sinking two free throws with three seconds remaining, sending the Hatters into the break trailing 40-27.
The second half saw continued contributions from Stetson's young lineup. Sirmans, playing in his first collegiate game, added a layup and converted all of his free-throw attempts, finishing with six points and a team-high five assists. Alex Doyle sparked the offense off the bench, knocking down three three-pointers to total 11 points, while freshman Janusz Ratowski added four points, two steals, and a block in his debut.
Phillips Jr. continued to lead the Hatters throughout the night, finishing with a season-high 20 points on 6-for-12 shooting to go along with six free throws and two steals. The matchup also marked the first career appearances for Sirmans, Ratowski, Leonard, and Morgan, each of whom contributed valuable minutes in their collegiate debuts. Stetson showed encouraging signs with 22 bench points and consistent energy from its young roster.
The Hatters will return to DeLand for their home opener on Friday, Nov. 7, when they host Fort Lauderdale at 7 p.m. inside the 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.
