DELAND, FL — Stetson (17-9, 10-5 ASUN) used defensive pressure, paint production, and timely late-game execution to defeat North Florida, 73-68, Thursday night at the Edmunds Center. The win marked the Hatters' 11th consecutive victory over the Ospreys.
North Florida struck first just 46 seconds into the game, but Stetson quickly settled in. After trailing 6-5, the Hatters ignited a 10-0 run midway through the opening quarter, highlighted by aggressive drives from Cameron Thomas and strong interior finishes. Stetson scored 12 of its 18 first-quarter points in the paint and carried an 18-12 lead into the second.
The Hatters extended their advantage in the second quarter behind efficient three-point shooting and active defense. Stetson knocked down four threes in the period, including one from Thomas late in the half, while Mary McMillan added a three-pointer and free throws to keep the offense balanced. Aleah Sorrentino set the tone defensively with multiple steals and facilitated the offense with crisp passing, finishing the night with a season-high seven assists. Stetson closed the half on a 5-0 push to take a 36-27 lead into the break.
North Florida responded in the third quarter, outscoring Stetson 21-16 and eventually tying the game at 45. The Ospreys capitalized on transition opportunities and timely shooting to erase the deficit. With momentum beginning to shift, the Hatters answered. Promise Keshi delivered a key basket during a 5-0 run that helped Stetson regain control, and the Hatters entered the fourth quarter with a 52-48 edge.
In the final period, Stetson leaned on composure and defensive stops. McMillan opened the quarter at the free-throw line and later delivered a crucial layup with 3:33 remaining, followed by a jumper in the final minute to keep separation. Thomas calmly converted free throws in the closing seconds to help seal the victory. North Florida hit a late three to cut the margin, but Stetson's defense held firm down the stretch.
The Hatters forced 18 turnovers and converted those into 18 points, while committing just 13 miscues of their own. On the glass, Stetson secured 10 offensive rebounds — four from Sorrentino — leading to eight second-chance points. In the fourth quarter alone, 12 of the team's 21 points came in the paint.
With the win, Stetson strengthened its position in the ASUN standings and protected home court once again.
The Hatters will return for Senior Day against Eastern Kentucky on Saturday afternoon at the Insight Credit Union Arena.
KEY PERFORMERS
- 26 points
- 9 field goals
- 6-of-12 free throws
- 3 assists
Cameron Thomas
- 22 points
- 7 field goals
- 3 three-pointers
- 4 assists
Aleah Sorrentino
- 12 rebounds
- 7 assists (season-high)
- 5 steals
- 1 block
Promise Keshi
GAME NOTES
- Stetson shot 7-of-17 from three-point range.
- McMillan, Thomas, and Keshi combined for 79% of the Hatters' scoring.
- The Hatters forced 18 North Florida turnovers and turned them into 18 points.
- Stetson collected 10 offensive rebounds, leading to eight second-chance points.
- Stetson has now won 11 straight meetings with North Florida.
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.
