NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Stetson (7-13, 3-4 ASUN) dropped a hard-fought 79–74 decision at Lipscomb (13-7, 6-1 ASUN) on Thursday night at Allen Arena. The Hatters turned in one of their strongest efforts on the glass this season, pulling down a season-high 47 rebounds and scoring 38 points in the paint but fell just shorting after taking the lead late.

Stetson established an early presence inside, scoring 18 points in the paint during the opening half. Calvin Sirmans III sparked the offense with a mix of jumpers and finishes at the rim, while Alex Doyle knocked down a pair of three-pointers—both assisted by Ethan Copeland—to keep the Hatters within striking distance. Stetson also controlled the defensive glass, out rebounding Lipscomb 17–13 in the half, but entered the break trailing 34–29.

The Hatters gained momentum in the second half behind timely shooting and defensive stops. Jake Johnson buried a key three-pointer at the 6:30 mark to tie the game at 55–55, and Doyle followed with a three of his own at 4:14 as Stetson briefly grabbed the lead. Sirmans III later connected on two free throws with 11 seconds remaining to put the Hatters ahead 68–65, but Lipscomb answered with a late three-pointer to even the score.

Stetson continued to battle in overtime, as Collin Kuhl tipped in a basket at 4:28 to give the Hatters a 70–68 advantage. Kuhl delivered a dominant performance, recording a double-double with 22 points and a career-high 14 rebounds. Johnson later tied the game again with a three-pointer at 1:22, but Lipscomb closed the game at the free-throw line to secure the 79–74 win.

Stetson Top Performers

·       Collin Kuhl – 22 points, 9-13 FG, 14 rebounds

·       Alex Doyle – 15 points, 3-4 3FG, 3 blocks

·       Calvin Sirmans III – 12 points, 6-8 FT

·       Jake Johnson – 12 points, 9 rebounds

Stetson will remain on the road to face Austin Peay on Saturday, Jan. 24, with tip-off scheduled for 5 p.m. at F&M Bank Arena in Clarksville, Tennessee.