NASHVILLE — The Stetson women's basketball team showed resilience and defensive grit Thursday night but could not overcome an early deficit, falling 67–53 to Lipscomb at Allen Arena in ASUN road action.

The Hatters (8-6, 1-2 ASUN) battled throughout, forcing 15 turnovers, holding the Bisons to 37.7 percent shooting, and mounting a second-half push that cut a 22-point halftime deficit down to 14 late in the fourth quarter.

Promise Keshi anchored Stetson on both ends, leading the way with 14 points, seven rebounds, two steals, and a tied a career-high five blocks. Rose Caso controlled the glass with a team-high nine rebounds, including three on the offensive end, while Cameron Thomas and Mary McMillan added defensive pressure with two steals apiece.

Stetson also received a spark from its bench, which contributed 16 points, and finished with 11 offensive rebounds that led to six second-chance points.

Lipscomb jumped out to an early advantage in the opening quarter, building a 22–11 lead. Stetson answered with interior scoring from Keshi and a late three from Thomas, but the Bisons closed the frame with momentum.

The second quarter proved challenging for the Hatters as Lipscomb extended its lead to 43–19 at the break. Despite the deficit, Stetson remained active defensively, generating turnovers and staying engaged on the glass.

The Hatters responded after halftime with renewed energy, outscoring Lipscomb 18–16 in the third quarter. Keshi led the charge with strong finishes inside and a fast-break layup, while Stetson scored 10 of its 18 points in the paint to cut the margin to 59–37 entering the fourth.

Stetson continued to compete in the final period, stringing together an 8–0 run capped by a Sophie Locatelli layup to trim the deficit to 64–50 with 1:25 remaining. The Hatters finished the night with 28 points in the paint and six team blocks, but Lipscomb closed out the contest to secure the 67–53 win.

Stetson will look to regroup quickly as the four-game road swing continues Saturday at Austin Peay.

TOP PERFORMERS

Promise Keshi

• 14 points (tied career-high)
• 7 rebounds
• 5 blocks (sixth multi-block game of the season)
• 2 steals

Rose Caso

• 9 rebounds
• 3 offensive boards

Cameron Thomas

• 7 points
• 4 rebounds
• 2 steals

Mary McMillan

• 6 points
• 3 assists
• 2 steals

GAME NOTES

• Stetson forced 15 turnovers and converted them into 10 points.
• The Hatters held Lipscomb to 37.7 percent shooting from the field.
• Stetson recorded 11 offensive rebounds and six second-chance points.
• The bench contributed 16 points.
• The Hatters totaled six blocks as a team, led by Keshi's five.