FORT MYERS, Fla. — Stetson closed the regular season Friday night with a hard-fought 67-55 loss to FGCU at Alico Arena.
The Hatters (19-10, 12-6 ASUN) battled throughout and held advantages in rebounding and second-chance points, but a slow first half and timely shooting from the Eagles proved to be the difference.
Despite the setback, the night featured a milestone moment as Cameron Thomas recorded her 1,000th career point in the third quarter.
FGCU jumped out to a 17-12 lead after the first quarter, but the highlight of the period belonged to Thomas. Her tip-in at the 6:41 mark tied the game at 2-2 and marked the 1,000th point of her career — a milestone reached in just two seasons.
Rose Caso added a three-pointer midway through the quarter and was active on the glass, grabbing four offensive rebounds on the night. However, the Eagles used transition scoring and perimeter shooting to take the early edge.
FGCU extended its lead to as many as 15 in the second quarter, capitalizing on efficient shooting and limiting Stetson's clean looks. A 6-0 run by the Hatters, highlighted by a bucket from Promise Keshi, trimmed the deficit to single digits late in the half, but FGCU responded and carried a 37-26 advantage into the break.
Stetson showed resilience coming out of halftime.
After trailing by as many as 15 again in the third quarter, the Hatters responded with a 9-0 run to cut the deficit to 51-45 with under a minute remaining in the period. Thomas knocked down a three-pointer and converted in transition during the surge, while Stetson dominated inside, scoring 14 of its 19 third-quarter points in the paint.
FGCU answered late in the quarter to maintain a 53-45 lead heading into the fourth.
Stetson's defense remained active throughout the contest. The Hatters recorded five blocks and seven steals while forcing 13 FGCU turnovers, converting those takeaways into 14 points.
The Hatters also held a 35-34 rebounding advantage and collected 13 offensive rebounds, turning those opportunities into 11 second-chance points.
However, FGCU maintained control in the final quarter and closed out the 67-55 victory.
KEY PERFORMER
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Cameron Thomas – 18 points, 7 rebounds, 2 three-pointers (1,000th career point)
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Rose Caso – 12 points, 7 rebounds, 4 offensive rebounds, 4-for-4 free throws
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Promise Keshi – 10 points, 8 rebounds, 4 blocks, 2 steals
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Aleah Sorrentino – 8 points, 7 rebounds, 2 steals
GAME NOTES
- Cameron Thomas scored her 1,000th career point in the first quarter.
- Stetson out-rebounded FGCU 35-34.
- The Hatters collected 13 offensive rebounds and scored 11 second-chance points.
- Stetson forced 13 turnovers and scored 14 points off takeaways.
- The Hatters recorded five blocks as a team.
- Promise Keshi registered her ninth multi-block game of the season.
- The game marked the conclusion of the 2024-25 regular season.
NEXT UP
Stetson now turns its attention to the ASUN Championship. With a first-round bye already secured, the Hatters await their postseason matchup as tournament play begins next week.
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.