DELAND, FL - Stetson Men's Basketball secured a spot in the ASUN Championship Tournament with a 69-67 victory over Bellarmine on Senior Night, Monday. Prior to the game, the Hatters honored Treyton Thompson, Josh Massey, Blaize Sagna and Jordan Wood for their contributions to the team. 

"Our Stetson Men's Basketball team has fought all season for moments like this," said Head Coach Donnie Jones.  "With a win tonight on Senior Night, we clinch our spot in the ASUN Tournament--another step in our journey!"

Stetson jumped out to a 6-2 lead early, with Blaize Sagna forcing a steal and finishing with a layup. The teams traded baskets, eventually tying at 9. Bellarmine built a 32-23 lead, but the Hatters responded with an 8-0 run over the final four minutes of the first half to close the gap to 32-31. Josh Massey scored inside, followed by a three-pointer from Jamie Phillips Jr. and a layup from Finley Sheridan, who also converted a free throw to send Stetson into halftime just one point behind.

The second half was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams answering each other's baskets. Down 46-42, the Hatters rattled off a 7-0 run to regain the lead, capped by a layup from Phillips Jr. Bellarmine took a 56-53 advantage, but Mehki Ellison drove the lane and kicked out to Sagna for a three-pointer, sparking a 10-0 run that put Stetson up 63-56 with just over a minute remaining. Although Bellarmine hit some tough threes, the Hatters sealed the win at the free-throw line, holding on for the 69-67 victory.

"That was a great drive by Mehki, I've got to give props to him," said Blaize Sagna. "He gets downhill and does a great job of adjusting and kicking out to us. It felt good to let it fly. As a team we have been through so much, I feel like if I can bring some toughness and help the team out in anyway I can, I just feel like it gives us a chance. We've managed to become way tougher collectively and play for one another."

Phillips Jr. led Stetson with 17 points, while Ellison contributed 14 off the bench. Massey added 12 points, and Sagna and Sheridan chipped in with 11 and 10, respectively. Stetson dominated the boards, out-rebounding Bellarmine 34-26, with Sheridan grabbing six rebounds to lead the team.

The Hatters will close out the regular season on the road against Jacksonville on Wednesday, February 26, at 7:00pm.