DELAND, FL – Stetson's Jamie Phillips Jr., Josh Massey, and Jordan Wood combined for 54 of the Hatters' 71 points, but they fell short in a 79-71 loss to North Florida at home on Tuesday.

The Ospreys quickly took an 8-2 lead, but Stetson responded with a 6-0 run to tie the game at 8. Wood then went to work in the paint, driving to the basket and finishing with a layup to give the Hatters a 13-11 lead, adding a free throw shortly after. North Florida countered with a run of their own to regain the lead, but Stetson fought back and closed the gap to just one. On the next possession, Wood hit a three-pointer to tie the game at 22. The Hatters continued to battle, but went into halftime trailing 39-30.

Stetson saw their deficit grow early in the second half before responding with a 5-0 run, capped off by Abramo Canka's layup to pull the Hatters within 72-62 with 6:27 remaining. Stetson continued to press, narrowing the Ospreys' lead to six points, but North Florida held on for the 79-71 victory.

The Hatters had three players score in double figures, led by Phillips Jr. with 20 points and four assists. Massey added 19 points, six rebounds, and two blocks, while Wood contributed 15 points and two steals.

The Hatters will host FGCU next at the Insight Credit Union Arena in the Edmunds Center on Thursday, February 20 at 7:00 pm.