DeLand, Fla. — Stetson (9-19, 5-10 ASUN) battled back with a strong second-half shooting performance but ultimately fell 88-76 to Central Arkansas on Thursday night at the Edmunds Center.

The Hatters knocked down 15 three-pointers in the game, including an impressive 11-of-17 effort from beyond the arc in the second half, as they mounted a determined comeback attempt after halftime.

Stetson opened the game with a three-pointer from Finley Sheridan to briefly even the score in the early minutes, but the Hatters faced an uphill climb after a tough first half. Nine turnovers and a cold shooting stretch allowed the deficit to grow, and Stetson entered the break trailing 52-26.

Out of halftime, the Hatters flipped the momentum.

Ethan Copeland sparked the surge, connecting on seven three-pointers and finishing with a game-high 27 points. His triple at the 12:55 mark ignited a stretch where Stetson found its rhythm offensively and began to steadily chip away at the margin.

Calvin Sirmans III directed the offense with 11 assists, tying his season high, to go along with 11 points, recording a double-double while helping facilitate the perimeter attack. Sheridan added 13 points on an efficient 5-of-6 shooting night and grabbed seven rebounds, while Matar Diop contributed six points, five boards, and a block.

Stetson's second-half efficiency from deep brought energy back into the Edmunds Center, and the Hatters continued to fight into the final minute, highlighted by a late three-pointer from Alex Doyle. Despite the push, the early deficit proved too much to overcome.

The Hatters will look to carry their second-half momentum into Saturday's matchup against North Florida at the Edmunds Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 3:45 p.m.

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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.