DELAND, Fla. — Stetson (6-11, 2-2 ASUN) came up short against Austin Peay (10-5, 4-0 ASUN), falling 81–69 on Saturday afternoon at the Edmunds Center. The Hatters mounted a late second-half push and trimmed the deficit to one, but were unable to sustain the momentum down the stretch.

Stetson set the tone early, opening the game with energy on both ends. Calvin Sirmans III connected on a three-pointer to give the Hatters an early lead, and the Hatters moved the ball effectively to create clean looks. Austin Peay answered with a series of scoring runs, capitalizing on transition opportunities to build separation. Despite continued ball movement from Sirmans III, the Hatters went into halftime trailing 43–31.

The Hatters responded coming out of the break, opening the second half with back-to-back three-pointers from Ethan Copeland and Jake Johnson to spark a rally. Stetson continued to chip away behind efficient scoring inside from Collin Kuhl and steady playmaking from Sirmans III. Copeland controlled the glass and created second-chance opportunities as the Hatters tightened the margin midway through the half.

Stetson's push brought the game within one in the final minutes, but were never able to regain the lead falling 81-69. 

Stetson Top Performers

·       Collin Kuhl – 18 points (career high), 9-for-12 FG, 6 rebounds

·       Ethan Copeland – 12 points, 12 rebounds, 2 steals (first double-double of the season)

·       Calvin Sirmans III – 11 points (season high), 6-for-6 FT, 8 assists

·       Finley Sheridan – 11 points (season high), 7 rebounds (season high), 3 assists

The Hatters return to action at home on Thursday, Jan. 15, hosting West Georgia at Insight Credit Union Arena at Edmunds Center. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.