JACKSONVILLE, FL — Stetson saw its ASUN Championship run come to an end Saturday afternoon as the Hatters fell to Austin Peay, 68-52, in the semifinal round at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena.
Cameron Thomas, Aleah Sorrentino, and Rose Caso combined for 39 of Stetson's 52 points in the contest. Thomas led the Hatters with 18 points and seven rebounds, while Sorrentino added 12 points. Caso chipped in nine points and seven rebounds in the effort.
Stetson (20-11) was active on the glass throughout the afternoon, outrebounding Austin Peay 39-36 and collecting 12 offensive rebounds. Caso led the charge on the offensive boards with three, helping the Hatters generate five second-chance points.
Defensively, Stetson held Austin Peay to 40 percent shooting from the field, but the Governors were able to create separation late to secure the victory.
After falling behind 7-2 early in the first quarter, the Hatters responded with a 5-0 run to tie the game at seven with 5:51 remaining in the period. Austin Peay regained the advantage late in the quarter, sending Stetson into the second trailing 18-17.
Austin Peay extended its lead to 35-25 midway through the second quarter before the Hatters surged back with a 10-0 run to even the score at 35. The Governors answered just before halftime, taking a 38-35 edge into the break.
The Governors continued to hold a narrow advantage in the third quarter, pushing their lead to 46-42 entering the final frame as Stetson was held to seven points in the period.
Austin Peay created distance early in the fourth quarter, building a 64-43 lead. The Hatters responded with a 5-0 run capped by a Thomas layup to trim the deficit to 64-48 with just over four minutes remaining, but Stetson was unable to close the gap further as Austin Peay secured the 68-52 win.
GAME NOTES
- Stetson held Austin Peay to 40 percent shooting from the field.
- Cameron Thomas, Aleah Sorrentino, and Rose Caso combined for 39 points, accounting for 75 percent of the Hatters' offense.
- Stetson outrebounded Austin Peay 39-36.
- The Hatters collected 12 offensive rebounds, leading to five second-chance points.
- Cameron Thomas led Stetson with a game-high 18 points.
- Promise Keshi pulled down a game-high 10 rebounds.
- Stetson finishes the season with a 20-11 overall record, marking the program's first 20-win campaign since the 2021-22 season.
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.
