DeLAND, Fla. — Stetson (1-1) earned its first win of the season in dominant fashion Tuesday night, defeating Fort Lauderdale 106-77 at the Edmunds Center. The Hatters' offense was firing on all cylinders, producing 45 bench points, 16 three-pointers, and 26 assists in the victory.
Stetson started fast and never looked back.
Jake Johnson opened the scoring with an early three-pointer, followed by a layup and another triple from
Ethan Copeland to give the Hatters an 8-2 lead less than three minutes in. A highlight-reel dunk from
Jamie Phillips Jr. ignited the crowd midway through the first half, while freshman guard
Calvin Sirmans III facilitated the attack with a season-high eight assists — including a setup for a
Collin Kuhl dunk that pushed the lead to 24-12 at the 13:31 mark.
Phillips Jr. led the charge offensively, finishing with a season-high 22 points on 7-of-11 shooting to go along with seven rebounds. Copeland connected on five three-pointers and scored 16 points, while Johnson added 15 points on 4-of-5 from beyond the arc. Stetson's strong ball movement led to a 59-40 halftime advantage, capped by another Copeland three in the final minute of the half.
The Hatters continued their offensive rhythm after the break. Phillips converted an early layup and a three-point play to extend the margin, while Copeland, Johnson, and
J.R. Leonard kept the pressure on from long range. Leonard tallied a career-high 13 points, and Kuhl added 13 points and eight rebounds in an efficient effort.
Ben Gladieux also logged his first collegiate minutes and scored his first career points.
After the game, Phillips Jr. credited the team's chemistry and unselfishness for the win:
"Just move the ball. If they're denying, make backdoor cuts and the extra pass," Phillips said. "We needed this win to go into playing against Miami with some confidence."
Five Hatters finished in double figures as Stetson shot 52.3 percent from the field and dominated the boards with 56 rebounds — both season highs.
The Hatters will look to carry their momentum into Monday's matchup against Miami (FL). Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. at the Watsco Center in Coral Gables, Florida.
Quote from Coach
Stetson Top Performers
Jamie Phillips Jr. – 22 points, 7-11 FG, 7 rebounds
Ethan Copeland – 16 points, 5-9 3FG, 3 assists
Collin Kuhl – 13 points, 5-6 FG, 8 rebounds
J.R. Leonard – 13 points, 3-8 3FG, 1 steal
Jake Johnson – 15 points, 4-5 3FG, 5 rebounds
Game Notes
- Season-high eight assists for Calvin Sirmans III
- 16 made three-pointers — most since Feb. 4, 2023 (15 vs. Central Arkansas)
- 26 team assists — most since Dec. 22, 2024 (27 vs. Fort Lauderdale)
- Five players in double figures
- 56 rebounds — most since Nov. 4, 2024 (51 vs. New College)
- 52.3% field goal percentage — highest since Mar. 10, 2024 (ASUN Championship vs. Austin Peay)
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.
