DeLAND, Fla. — In a game that had everything — runs, momentum swings, and postseason implications — Stetson saved its best for last.
The Hatters (19-9, 12-5 ASUN) outscored Jacksonville 27-20 in the fourth quarter to claim an 85-81 victory Wednesday night at the Edmunds Center, clinching a first-round bye in the ASUN Tournament in the process.
Behind 29 points from Mary McMillan and a defense that forced 18 turnovers into 29 points, Stetson delivered one of its biggest wins of the season in its regular-season home finale.
Stetson came out aggressive, capitalizing on an early Jacksonville turnover to grab momentum. Rose Caso opened the scoring with a layup and later buried a three-pointer as part of a strong first-quarter showing.
The Hatters closed the opening period on a 5-0 run, capped by a McMillan jumper in the final seconds, to take a 22-13 lead. Stetson shot efficiently and knocked down three triples in the quarter while holding Jacksonville to four turnovers.
The Hatters continued to control the tempo in the second quarter, stretching the lead to as many as 18 points.
A 7-0 run midway through the period pushed Stetson ahead 39-21, fueled by interior scoring and crisp ball movement. The Hatters assisted on 15 of their 27 made field goals in the game, consistently generating quality looks.
Stetson dominated in the paint and entered halftime with a 40-26 advantage, shooting efficiently while forcing the Dolphins into difficult shots.
Jacksonville responded with a 35-point third quarter, flipping the momentum and taking a 61-58 lead into the fourth. Despite the swing, Stetson stayed poised.
When the Dolphins extended their lead to 68-61 early in the fourth, the Hatters answered immediately.
McMillan sparked a 7-0 run with a fast-break layup and an and-one, then tied the game at 68 with a pull-up jumper at the 6:13 mark. From there, Stetson's defense tightened.
The Hatters forced five fourth-quarter turnovers and converted them into eight critical points. McMillan remained perfect at the free throw line, finishing 11-for-11, while Cameron Thomas and Promise Keshi knocked down clutch free throws in the final minute to seal the win.
KEY PERFORMERS
Four Hatters scored in double figures in the win.
GAME NOTES
- Stetson rallied from a 61-58 deficit entering the fourth quarter.
- The Hatters scored 27 points in the final period.
- Stetson forced 18 turnovers and converted them into 29 points.
- The Hatters recorded 15 assists on 27 made field goals.
- Stetson collected 11 offensive rebounds.
- Mary McMillan led all scorers with 29 points.
- The win secured a first-round bye in the ASUN Tournament.
NEXT UP
Stetson closes the regular season Friday at 7:00 PM in Fort Myers against FGCU. Tip-off is set for Saturday as the Hatters look to extend their win streak.
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.
