LOUISVILLE, KY – Tyra Myers hit a game-tying 3-pointer with seven seconds left in regulation, sending the game to overtime, and then put the Stetson women's basketball team ahead for good with a clutch basket at 1:02 in the extra period, lifting the Hatters to an 87-84 victory over Bellarmine on the road Saturday afternoon. The win allowed Stetson to split the season series with the Knights and leave the Bluegrass State with a victory.
Stetson improved to 13-11 on the season and 7-5 in ASUN play. Four Hatters scored in double figures, led by Mary McMillan with 19 points and four assists. Cameron Thomas added 18 points and seven rebounds, while Diawna Carter-Hartley contributed 14 points, nine rebounds, two steals, and two blocks. Shelby Calhoun, a Louisville native, recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.
The Hatters shared the ball effectively, totaling 20 assists on 29 made field goals, as Jorah Eppley led the team with five assists, while Promise Keshi added four.
Stetson's defense forced 15 turnovers, converting those takeaways into 12 points on the offensive end. Carter-Hartley's two steals were the most for Stetson. The Hatters also held a 46-41 edge on the boards, including 11 offensive rebounds.
After falling behind 7-2 early, Stetson went on a 6-0 run to take an 8-7 lead with 5:52 left in the first quarter. However, Bellarmine reclaimed the lead and entered the second quarter up 14-11.
Bellarmine built a 28-19 lead, but Stetson responded with a 10-0 run, highlighted by a basket from Thomas, to take a 29-28 lead. The Hatters held onto that advantage and led 33-32 at halftime. Stetson was strong from deep, hitting four three-pointers for 12 of its 22 points in the second quarter.
After halftime, Bellarmine took a 41-35 lead, but Stetson answered with a 6-0 run, capped by a Carter-Hartley basket, tying the game at 41 with 5:39 left in the third. The Hatters regained the lead and finished the quarter up 56-55, with 14 of their 23 points coming in the paint.
Bellarmine forced overtime, tying the game at 75-75 by the end of regulation. Stetson's hot shooting from beyond the arc kept them in the game, as they hit four three-pointers for 12 of their 19 points in the fourth.
In overtime, Stetson outscored Bellarmine 12-9 to seal the 87-84 win.
The Hatters now return home to Insight Credit Union Arena, where they hold a 10-2 record. They will host the Jacksonville Dolphins on Wednesday, February 12, with a 7:00 PM tip-off.
