JACKSONVILLE, FL —Mary McMillan poured in a career-high 33 points, including 16 of Stetson's 32 first-half points, but the Hatters came up just short in a 76-70 loss to Jacksonville University Thursday night at Swisher Gymnasium.
Stetson (15-9, 8-5 ASUN) forced 16 turnovers, scored 17 points off those miscues, and recorded 13 steals, marking the fourth consecutive game the Hatters reached at least 70 points. Despite a balanced effort and a standout performance from McMillan and company, Stetson could not overcome a disciplined Dolphins team led by Priscilla Williams and Tatum Brown.
Jacksonville jumped out to an early lead on a three-point play by Brown, going up 3-0, and maintained momentum with jumpers from Carmaya Bowman and Aniah Smith. Stetson quickly answered with a layup from McMillan at 8:20 and a three-pointer from Rose Caso at 5:22, keeping the game close. After falling behind 18-9 late in the first quarter, the Hatters mounted a 5-0 run, capped by a Jorah Eppley trey and two free throws from McMillan, narrowing the deficit to 18-14 at the quarter's end. McMillan scored 11 of Stetson's 14 points in the first quarter, establishing herself as the team's driving force.
In the second quarter, Stetson battled back, cutting the Dolphins' lead to just one on several occasions. McMillan hit two more three-pointers while Sorrentino scored on layups assisted by Thomas, demonstrating Stetson's balanced attack. The Hatters' defense forced multiple turnovers and converted them into transition points, keeping the game within reach. Jacksonville, however, responded with timely baskets, and the halftime score showed the Dolphins ahead 35-32.
Stetson opened the third quarter with urgency, scoring 12 of its 17 points in the paint and going on a 5-0 run to pull within one at 46-45. Jacksonville countered with a three-pointer from Williams and a layup from Bowman, building a 55-49 advantage entering the fourth. The final quarter was a back-and-forth battle, with both teams scoring 21 points, but the Dolphins made key free throws down the stretch to secure the 76-70 win. Stetson finished with eight three-pointers, 15 assists on 24 made field goals, and a strong overall effort that kept them competitive throughout.
Stetson returns home to host FGCU on Saturday, Feb. 14, at 2:00 p.m. at Insight Credit Union Arena at Edmunds Center for Breast Cancer Awareness. Fans can follow the action on ESPN+ with live stats and updates via the Stetson Athletics social media channels.
TOP PERFORMERS
Mary McMillan
- 33 points
- 11 field goals made
- 4 three-pointers
- 7/10 free throws
- 4 assists
Aleah Sorrentino
- 11 points
- 6 rebounds
- 4 assists
- 2 steals
Promise Keshi
- 2 points
- 8 rebounds
- 3 steals
- 3 assists
Cameron Thomas
Game Notes
- Stetson reached at least 70 points for the fourth straight game.
- McMillan recorded a season-high 33 points, accounting for nearly half of Stetson's scoring.
- Sorrentino grabbed at least six rebounds for the third consecutive contest.
- Stetson shot 36.7 percent from the floor and hit eight three-pointers.
- Hatters forced 16 Jacksonville turnovers, resulting in 17 points off turnovers.
- Team tallied 15 assists on 24 field goals made, assisting on 62 percent of buckets.
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.
