News Summary
The Stetson University Hatters have made history by securing their first-ever spot in the NCAA Tournament after a thrilling victory over Austin Peay in the ASUN Championship. The team, led by standout performances and incredible teamwork, rallied from a 10-point deficit to win 94-91. This milestone not only signifies a proud moment for the Hatters but also reflects the dedication and hard work of the entire basketball program. As they prepare for their upcoming matchup as a 16 seed, excitement builds among fans and the DeLand community.
Stetson Hatters Make History: NCAA Tournament Bound!
DeLand, Florida is buzzing with excitement as the Stetson University Hatters have officially made history! After a thrilling showdown that had fans on the edge of their seats, the Hatters snagged their first-ever spot in the NCAA Tournament by defeating Austin Peay 94-91 in the ASUN Championship game. Mark your calendars, folks, because this is a moment that will be talked about for generations!
Electrifying Championship Game
The showdown took place at the Edmunds Center, where a lively crowd of 2,328 fans gathered to cheer on their team. The energy in the arena was electric as the Hatters fought their way to a victory that no one will forget. After starting the game facing a daunting 10-point deficit in the first half, the team rallied back and took the lead in a spectacular second-half performance. It was nail-biting, exhilarating, and just downright sensational!
Jalen Blackmon: The Star of the Show
While the entire team deserves a round of applause, one player, in particular, shone brighter than the rest. Jalen Blackmon put on an absolute clinic, scoring an astonishing 43 points, with a jaw-dropping 34 of those coming in the second half alone! To cap things off, he calmly hit 5 of 6 free throws in the final 30 seconds to secure the win. If there was an MVP award just for this game, it would undoubtedly belong to Blackmon!
Team Effort and Dedication
Of course, basketball is a team sport, and the Hatters had support from their bench as well. Stephan Swenson and Aubin Gateretse each contributed 13 points, while Alec Oglesby
A Moment of Pride for the Program
Head coach Donnie Jones made it clear that this victory signifies an important moment for the Stetson University basketball program. Since becoming a Division I school in 1971, the Hatters have faced challenges, but their determination and perseverance have finally paid off. This championship win is a testament to the commitment of both the players and the coaching staff, who have worked tirelessly to build a competitive program.
Looking Ahead: NCAA Tournament Awaits
The Hatters are now preparing for their upcoming matchup in the NCAA Tournament. They are projected to enter the tournament as a 16 seed in a play-in game against Norfolk State. This news has fans buzzing with anticipation, eager to see how their team will perform on such an esteemed national stage. The excitement surrounding this event is palpable, and everyone is ready to rally behind their team!
Final Thoughts
Moments like this remind us of why we love sports; the highs, the lows, and the unforgettable experiences shared with community and fellow fans. The Stetson Hatters have officially carved their name in history, and the city of DeLand is beaming with pride. Here’s to the Hatters and their magical journey in the NCAA Tournament!
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Additional Resources
- News Journal: Stetson Men’s Basketball ASUN Title
- Clarksville Online: Austin Peay Women’s Basketball vs Stetson
- News Journal: Stetson NCAA Tournament Fever
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Basketball
- Google Search: Stetson Hatters Basketball
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
