DELAND, Fla. — Stetson dropped an 87–81 decision to Queens University of Charlotte on Saturday afternoon at the Edmunds Center, despite a strong second-half push. The Hatters converted 21 free throws and outscored Queens after the break but were unable to overcome the Royals' 48 points in the paint.

Stetson opened the game with energy, as Matar Diop finished a dunk off a feed from Calvin Sirmans III to get the Hatters on the board. Sirmans III reached double figures for the third straight game, while Finley Sheridan provided an early defensive spark with a block. Queens found success offensively, however, and built momentum through efficient scoring inside.

Jake Johnson helped keep the Hatters within reach, knocking down a three-pointer at the 15-minute mark and later adding another from beyond the arc. Johnson finished with a season-high 19 points. Ethan Copeland added a three-pointer assisted by Johnson, and Johnson later converted a fast-break dunk off a pass from Sirmans III. Sheridan closed the half with a pair of free throws, but Queens maintained control heading into the break, leading 42–33.

Stetson came out strong in the second half. Sheridan forced a turnover that led to a layup by Collin Kuhl, who reached double figures for the third consecutive game. Copeland followed with an assist to Sheridan for a three-pointer as the Hatters continued to apply pressure. Copeland, now with five straight double figure scoring games, played a key role throughout the half.

Queens answered with timely shooting, including a three-pointer by Chris Ashby, but Johnson's perimeter scoring and Stetson's success at the free-throw line kept the Hatters within striking distance. Kuhl and Copeland both capitalized at the line midway through the half, trimming the deficit as Stetson continued to chip away.

In the closing minutes, Stetson's defense ramped up the pressure, but a late three-pointer by Carson Schwieger helped Queens create separation. Copeland added a late layup, but Queens sealed the game at the free-throw line to secure the 87–81 win.

Stetson Top Performers

• Jake Johnson – 19 points, 4-of-8 from three, 3 assists
• Collin Kuhl – 16 points, 5 rebounds
• Ethan Copeland – 15 points, 3 rebounds
• Finley Sheridan – 14 points, 7 rebounds, 1 block
• Calvin Sirmans III – 10 points, 5 assists, 2 steals

The Hatters will return to the road to face Lipscomb on Thursday, Jan. 22. Tip off is set for 8 p.m. at Allen Arena in Nashville, Tennessee.