DELAND, Fla. — Stetson (9-17, 5-8 ASUN) edged Jacksonville (9-17, 4-9 ASUN) 67-62 in a tightly contested ASUN matchup Wednesday night at the Edmunds Center. The Hatters capitalized at the free-throw line, converting 18 of 32 attempts, to secure the victory.

Jacksonville struck first following an early turnover, but Stetson responded quickly as Finley Sheridan knocked down a three-pointer, assisted by Daniel Macgregor, to give the Hatters a 3-2 lead. Matar Diop made an early impact defensively with a steal that led to a free throw, and Ethan Copeland extended the advantage with a three-pointer and a trip to the line to make it 13-8 midway through the half.

Stetson maintained control throughout the opening period, pushing the lead to 29-18 on Diop's tip-in at the 4:14 mark. Despite a late push from Jacksonville, the Hatters carried a 33-26 lead into halftime.

Jacksonville came out aggressive in the second half, trimming the deficit and eventually pulling within one possession behind a 36-point period. Stetson answered with energy plays, including an emphatic dunk from Diop that sparked the Hatters during a key stretch midway through the half.

With the Dolphins threatening late, Copeland drilled a crucial three-pointer at the 4:56 mark to steady the lead. Jake Johnson followed with a clutch three in the closing minutes to halt Jacksonville's momentum. Copeland then iced the game at the free-throw line in the final minute, sealing the 67-62 victory.

Stetson Top Performers

• Ethan Copeland – 17 points, 6-6 FT, 3-5 3FG

• Jake Johnson – 11 points, 2-5 3FG, 4 rebounds

• Matar Diop – 10 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals

• Collin Kuhl – 7 points, 7 rebounds, 1 steal

• Daniel Macgregor – 3 points, 5 assists, 2 steals

Stetson will travel to face FGCU on Saturday, Feb. 14. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m. at Alico Arena in Fort Myers, Florida.