DELAND, FL --Six Hatters scored in double figures, but Stetson fell to the FGCU Eagles 83-80 at home Thursday.

After trailing 15-7 early, the Hatters responded with a 6-0 run, capped off by a three-pointer from Phillips Jr. to cut the deficit to 15-13. Stetson continued to battle back, with Finley Sheridan hitting a three to tie the game at 21. Jordan Wood then connected from beyond the arc to give the Hatters their first lead of the game at 24-21. The teams traded leads before Josh Massey hit a three to put Stetson ahead 34-32. After FGCU made a free throw, Massey drained another three as time expired, sending Stetson into halftime with a 37-33 lead. The Hatters relied on its three-point shooting in the half knocking down eight of them. 

FGCU took a 44-43 lead early in the second half, but Stetson responded with a 6-0 run, including a three from Wood, to regain a 49-44 advantage with 13:32 remaining. The Hatters tried to pull away, but each time they made a shot, the Eagles answered. Down 69-68, Tristan Gross hit a crucial three to give Stetson back the lead. FGCU quickly responded with a three of their own, and Phillips Jr. drove to the basket for a layup on the next possession. With the game tied at 78 and 53 seconds left, Phillips Jr. made another layup to give Stetson an 80-78 lead, but FGCU hit a three on their next possession. The Hatters missed their final two shot attempts, falling 83-80.

The Hatters had six players in double figures, led by Jamie Phillips Jr. with 16 points. Josh Massey added 15 points, seven rebounds, and two steals, while Jordan Wood chipped in 12 points. Finley Sheridan and Tristan Gross provided valuable bench scoring with 12 and 10 points, respectively. Mehki Ellison rounded out the double-digit scorers with 10 points and a team-high seven assists. Stetson took care of the ball, committing only three turnovers, while forcing seven turnovers and converting them into 10 points.

The Hatters will host Bellarmine on Monday, February 24, for Senior Day at 7:00 p.m.