DELAND, Fla. — Stetson (7–11, 3–2 ASUN) earned a 95–86 conference victory over West Georgia (9–8, 3–2 ASUN) on Thursday night at the Edmunds Center. The Hatters delivered one of their most efficient offensive performances of the season, knocking down 12-of-18 three-pointers and recording 20 assists in the win.

"I was really proud of our group tonight. We didnt play well for part of the game but we stayed connected and found a way to win. Collin's growth has been huge for us all season - his confidence, his decision-making and his willingness to make winning plays showed up in a big way tonight. What I loved most about our resilience was that we stayed together, didn't let the momentum change us and just kept grinding until the final buzzer," said Head Coach Donnie Jones. 

Stetson set the tone early, opening the game on a 9–4 run behind finishes from Jamie Phillips Jr. and a pair of three-pointers from Calvin Sirmans III. Sirmans III caught fire from deep, hitting a season-high five three-pointers on six attempts for 15 points. His first triple beat the shot clock, while his second came after creating space off the dribble, igniting the home crowd.

The Hatters' ball movement fueled their early success, as they piled up nine assists in the opening half, including a career-high six from Daniel Macgregor. Stetson shot 66.7 percent from beyond the arc and continued to find high-quality looks throughout the half. Collin Kuhl was dominant inside, scoring efficiently on his way to a career-high 26 points, while Ethan Copeland helped set the defensive tone with multiple early steals as part of a season-high six-steal performance.

West Georgia stayed within striking distance by attacking the paint, but Stetson maintained control by capitalizing on turnovers and converting fast-break chances. The Hatters took a 46–43 lead into the break after Macgregor knocked down a free throw in the final second of the half.

Stetson opened the second half with renewed momentum as Kuhl scored on a layup off an assist from Sirmans III, followed shortly by another three from Sirmans III to push the lead to 51–45. Finley Sheridan provided a spark, scoring a season-high 14 points, including a jumper and a fast-break three-pointer that kept the Hatters in front.

Down the stretch, Stetson continued to execute on both ends. Copeland buried a key three-pointer late, while Macgregor contributed with defensive rebounds and timely assists. Kuhl added a layup and capped his night with a fast-break dunk in the final minute, sealing the 95-86 victory.

Stetson Top Performers

·       Collin Kuhl – 26 points, 9-10 FG, 8-11 FT

·       Ethan Copeland – 18 points, 3-5 3FG, 6 steals

·       Calvin Sirmans III – 15 points, 5-6 3FG, 4 assists

·       Finley Sheridan – 14 points, 3-4 3FG, 4 rebounds

The Hatters return to action at home on Saturday, Jan. 17, when they host Queens at 2 p.m. inside Insight Credit Union Arena at Edmunds Center.