DELAND, Fla. — Stetson University delivered a strong all-around performance Monday night, defeating Rhodes College 95-76 at Edmunds Center behind balanced scoring, control of the glass, and efficient ball movement. The Hatters knocked down 11 three-pointers, dominated the paint with 48 points, and won the rebounding battle 52-30 to pull away in the home win.
Stetson set the tone early with confident offensive execution, as Ethan Copeland and Jamie Phillips Jr. connected from beyond the arc and finished at the rim to build an early advantage. Copeland caught fire from deep, finishing with a season-high 29 points on 8-of-11 shooting from three-point range. The Hatters pushed the pace in transition and consistently converted second-chance opportunities to maintain control throughout the opening half.
Defensively, Stetson remained active, turning stops into scoring chances. Calvin Sirmans III provided a key block, while Phillips anchored the glass, finishing the night with his first career double-double after scoring 18 points and grabbing a career-high 13 rebounds. Despite Rhodes' ability to connect from long range, the Hatters closed the half ahead 46-39 by controlling possessions and limiting second opportunities.
The Hatters opened the second half with renewed energy, using crisp ball movement and strong rebounding to separate. Sirmans III jump-started a decisive run early in the half and finished with 11 points and a season-high 11 assists for his first double-double of the season. Copeland continued to stretch the defense with timely three-pointers, while Collin Kuhl asserted himself inside, collecting his second double-double of the year with 10 points and a career-high 12 rebounds.
Stetson's depth and physicality showed as the game progressed. The Hatters consistently won the battle on the boards, capitalized on Rhodes' turnovers, and extended possessions with offensive rebounds. Matar Diop punctuated the night with a powerful dunk midway through the second half as Stetson pushed its lead comfortably into double digits and closed out the 95-76 victory.
Stetson Top Performers
Looking ahead, the Hatters will travel to face the University of Oklahoma on Monday, Dec. 22. Tip-off is set for 9 p.m. at Lloyd Noble Center in Norman, Oklahoma.
Game Notes
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J.R. Leonard scored a season-high 16 points.
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Three Hatters recorded double-doubles, the first time multiple players have done so since 2024.
- Five Stetson players finished in double-figure scoring.
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.
