PHOENIX, Ariz. — Stetson battled early but ultimately fell to Grand Canyon, 67–45, Tuesday night at Global Credit Union Arena. The Hatters forced 17 turnovers and collected 10 steals, but a cold shooting night proved to be the difference.
Stetson opened with composed play on both ends, holding Grand Canyon scoreless for the first two minutes before
Collin Kuhl powered in the game's first basket off a feed from
Ethan Copeland. The Hatters continued to create quality looks and kept the game tight behind steady defensive pressure that produced nine first-half turnovers.
Alex Doyle knocked down a three to tie the game midway through the half, and Stetson stayed within a possession for nearly the entire period. Despite Grand Canyon closing the half with two late free throws, the Hatters trailed by just two, 22–20, at the break.
Stetson opened the second half with a three-pointer from
Jamie Phillips Jr., briefly reclaiming the lead and setting the tone for another tightly contested stretch. The teams traded baskets for the next ten minutes, but the Lopes eventually responded with a decisive surge that pushed their advantage into double digits. The Hatters continued to battle defensively—creating transition opportunities and forcing mistakes—but struggled to convert those chances on the offensive end.
Jake Johnson knocked down a timely three-pointer and
Ethan Copeland added a crafty layup during a 5-0 burst that brought Stetson back within eight, but that was as close as the Hatters would get, ultimately falling 67-45.
Stetson Top Performers
Up Next
Stetson continues its road swing on Saturday, Dec. 6, when the Hatters travel to Columbia to face South Carolina at 2 p.m. at Colonial Life Arena.
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.
