MIAMI — In a game worthy of postseason play, Stetson and Florida International battled through 45 minutes of back-and-forth action before the Hatters fell 76-73 in overtime Friday night at Ocean Bank Convocation Center in the opening round of the 2026 Postseason WNIT.
Stetson (20-12) and FIU (21-11) combined for nine ties and 11 lead changes in a tightly contested matchup that came down to the final possessions.
The Hatters came out firing, opening the game on an 8-0 run behind early scoring from Cameron Thomas and a three-pointer from Aleah Sorrentino. Stetson controlled the tempo early, but FIU responded late in the first quarter, closing the gap to tie the game at 14-14 heading into the second.
The Panthers gained momentum in the second quarter, building a 10-point lead, but the Hatters answered with an 8-0 run to swing the momentum back. Mary McMillan sparked the surge, helping Stetson chip away at the deficit before the Hatters completed the comeback, entering halftime knotted at 30-30.
The second half continued in similar fashion, with both teams trading baskets and momentum. Stetson found success attacking the paint while also knocking down timely perimeter shots. A clutch three-pointer from McMillan late in the third quarter gave the Hatters a narrow 45-44 edge heading into the final period.
In the fourth quarter, Stetson appeared to seize control. A deep three from Thomas with just over a minute remaining gave the Hatters the lead, and McMillan calmly converted at the free throw line to extend the advantage to 63-58 with 12 seconds left.
But FIU had one final push. Rhema Collins scored five straight points, including a contested three-pointer as time expired, sending the game into overtime at 63-63.
The Hatters responded in the extra period, showing resilience with a 7-0 run capped by another McMillan three to build a 70-65 lead with under three minutes to play. However, FIU answered once again, closing the game on an 11-3 run to escape with the 76-73 victory.
Stetson controlled several key areas throughout the night, outrebounding FIU 39-34 and forcing 22 turnovers that turned into 20 points. The Hatters also generated second-chance opportunities with 14 offensive rebounds, but the Panthers' late execution proved to be the difference.
Key Performers
- Mary McMillan led all scorers with 25 points, going 8-of-12 from the free throw line while adding three assists
- Rose Caso finished with 19 points on 8-of-13 shooting and recorded six steals
- Cameron Thomas added 14 points and two steals, including a go-ahead three late in regulation
- Promise Keshi grabbed a game-high 14 rebounds while contributing three assists and two steals
- Aleah Sorrentino chipped in 12 points to help pace the Hatters offensively
Game Notes
- Stetson finished the season with a 20-12 overall record
- The Hatters outrebounded FIU 39-34 and collected 14 offensive rebounds
- Stetson forced 22 turnovers and converted them into 20 points
- The Hatters knocked down eight three-pointers in the contest
- McMillan, Caso, and Thomas combined for 58 of Stetson's 73 points
- Promise Keshi recorded a game-high 14 rebounds
- The game featured nine ties and 11 lead changes
- Friday marked the final game of the 2025-26 season for the Hatters
