JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Stetson (8-14, 4-5 ASUN) earned an 84-77 road victory over North Florida (5-17, 3-6 ASUN) on Thursday night at UNF Arena, using efficient ball movement and strong interior play to secure the win. The Hatters totaled 21 assists while committing a season-low six turnovers, controlling the tempo from start to finish.
"I'm really proud of our guys. When the ball moves, it creates space and confidence, and you saw that tonight. Now it's about bringing that same unselfishness and energy back home on Saturday," said Head Coach Donnie Jones.
Stetson jumped out quickly, opening the game on a 5-0 run after Calvin Sirmans III picked off a pass and found Ethan Copeland for a fast-break three. Copeland stayed hot throughout the half, knocking down shots from deep as part of his fourth 20-plus-point performance of the season. Jake Johnson added a three at the 13:00 mark to push the lead to 16-11, extending his streak of double-digit scoring to four straight games.
Sirmans III orchestrated the offense, consistently setting up teammates and knocking down a three of his own. He finished the half with multiple assists, eventually tying his season high with 11 for the game — his third outing this season with double-digit assists. Inside, Collin Kuhl controlled the glass, turning offensive rebounds into second-chance points. Despite North Florida's attempts to close the gap, Copeland's late layup and a pair of Johnson free throws sent Stetson into halftime with a 39-36 advantage.
The Hatters opened the second half with a defensive stop and a Johnson jumper, then began to create separation as Kuhl scored on a layup at 17:57 to spark a key run. Kuhl continued to punish the Ospreys in the paint with a string of finishes at the rim, stretching the lead to double figures and giving Stetson breathing room. The effort marked Kuhl's second 20-point double-double of the season and his third straight game with a double-double.
North Florida made several pushes late, but Copeland answered with a three-pointer at the 4:55 mark and another at 1:18 to keep the Hatters in control at 78–71. Stetson then sealed the win at the free-throw line, closing out the 84–77 victory.
Stetson Top Performers
Up next, the Hatters return home to face North Alabama on Saturday, Jan. 31 at 2:00 p.m. at Insight Credit Union Arena at Edmunds Center.
About Stetson Athletics
At Stetson University, student-athletes don't just compete—they thrive. Located in historic DeLand, Florida, between Orlando and Daytona Beach, Stetson offers the perfect blend of competitive athletics, academic excellence, and an unbeatable Central Florida lifestyle. As the oldest private university in the region, Stetson supports approximately 500 student-athletes across 19 NCAA Division I sports. Nicknamed the "Hatters" after the institution's namesake John B. Stetson, a hat manufacturer who originated the modern-day cowboy hat, most Stetson athletic teams compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference, where they proudly hold the longest active membership since 1985. With top-tier facilities, personalized support, and a welcoming campus community, Stetson is where students can grow, compete, and succeed. Learn more at GoHatters.com or follow social media accounts @StetsonHatters.
