Stetson University Athletics

MIAMI — Stetson erased a 12-point first-half deficit and pulled even midway through the fourth quarter before falling to FIU 63-57 on Tuesday night at Ocean Bank Convocation Center.

The Hatters (1-3) created problems throughout the night with their defensive pressure, forcing 31 turnovers and turning them into 28 points. Stetson recorded 15 steals and held FIU to just 44 field-goal attempts, but the Panthers controlled the glass with a 42-28 rebounding advantage.

Stetson stayed within striking distance through a back-and-forth opening quarter. Favour Anyaele turned a steal into an early layup, while Candela Garcia-Escribano and Sierra Driessen each scored in the paint as the teams exchanged the lead. FIU moved ahead late at the free-throw line before Zoie Lofton and Desireck Nieves combined to make four free throws in the final minute, sending the game to the second quarter tied at 14.

Raven LeXander put Stetson ahead with a free throw to begin the second, but FIU responded with its strongest stretch of the night. The Panthers scored 13 consecutive points and connected on three 3-pointers during the run to build a 27-15 advantage. Jorah Eppley ended the drought with a 3-pointer off a Garcia-Escribano assist, and Stetson continued to create opportunities defensively down the stretch. The Hatters forced turnovers on each of FIU's final four possessions of the half but entered the locker room trailing 33-24.

Stetson began cutting into the deficit after halftime. Anyaele scored inside before Sophie Locatelli took advantage of consecutive FIU turnovers, following a layup with a 3-pointer to bring the Hatters within five. Garcia-Escribano and Nieves later connected from beyond the arc as Stetson trimmed the margin to 43-39 with 4:14 remaining in the third. FIU scored the final four points of the period, however, to carry a 47-39 advantage into the fourth.

The Hatters made their biggest push early in the final period. After FIU extended its lead to 50-41, Stetson forced turnovers on five straight Panther possessions and answered with nine consecutive points. Garcia-Escribano started the run with a 3-pointer before Driessen turned a steal into a layup. Locatelli followed with four straight points, tying the game at 50 with 6:19 remaining.

FIU regained the lead behind Mable Doumbia and a Shorna Preston 3-pointer, but Stetson continued to battle. Locatelli connected from deep with 3:10 remaining to cut the deficit to 57-54. The Panthers answered with a transition basket and protected the lead at the free-throw line in the closing minutes before Locatelli knocked down her third 3-pointer of the night for the final points of the 63-57 decision.

Locatelli led Stetson with a career-high 19 points on 7-of-15 shooting, including three 3-pointers, while adding three steals. Garcia-Escribano finished with 12 points, four rebounds, three assists and three steals. Anyaele contributed six points and a team-high six rebounds, while LeXander recorded three steals in 12 minutes.

Game Notes

• Stetson forced a season-high 31 turnovers and scored 28 points off FIU miscues.
• The Hatters recorded 15 steals, with Locatelli, Garcia-Escribano and LeXander collecting three apiece.
• Locatelli scored a career-high 19 points and matched a career-best with three made 3-pointers.
• Stetson erased a 12-point deficit and tied the game at 50-50 with 6:19 remaining in the fourth quarter.
• The Hatters outscored FIU 18-16 in the fourth quarter.
• Stetson and FIU finished with six ties and six lead changes.
• Garcia-Escribano reached double figures for the second time this season with 12 points.
• Anyaele led the Hatters with six rebounds while adding six points and Stetson's lone blocked shot.
• Stetson finished with seven made 3-pointers after entering the fourth quarter with four.
• Up next, the Hatters continue their road swing against Clemson on Sunday, Nov. 15, at 5 p.m. inside Littlejohn Coliseum in Clemson, South Carolina.