FORT MYERS, Fla. — Stetson (9-18, 5-9 ASUN) came up just short in a 78-76 loss to Florida Gulf Coast on Saturday at Alico Arena. The game featured five ties and five lead changes, with the Hatters scoring 36 points in the paint in the narrow defeat.
Stetson opened the game with a dominant interior presence from Collin Kuhl, who scored 10 of the Hatters' first 12 points. He connected on a layup and a jumper in the opening minutes to give Stetson a 4-0 lead and continued to establish himself inside as the Hatters built an early advantage. Kuhl delivered a career performance, finishing with a career-high 28 points on 12-of-18 shooting while pulling down 12 rebounds for his sixth double-double of the season.
FGCU responded to tie the game at 4-4, and the teams traded baskets throughout a competitive first half. Ethan Copeland and Alex Doyle each knocked down key three-pointers midway through the period to help Stetson maintain a slim edge. Copeland, who recorded his 20th double-digit scoring effort of the season, continued to apply pressure offensively. In the closing minute of the half, FGCU converted a layup to even the score at 44-44 heading into the break.
The second half remained tightly contested, with neither side able to create separation. Kuhl and Copeland paced the Hatters as the lead changed hands multiple times. Copeland's layup at the 9:06 mark trimmed the deficit to two, and Stetson continued to battle in the closing minutes.
With 19 seconds remaining, FGCU converted a go-ahead layup to take a 77-76 lead. A free throw in the final seconds extended the margin to two. Copeland's contested three-point attempt at the buzzer came up short, sealing the 78-76 decision.
Stetson Top Performers
Stetson will return home to host Central Arkansas on Thursday, Feb. 19 at 8 p.m. at Insight Credit Union Arena at Edmunds Center in DeLand.
Article partially generated with FanWord.
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.
