The University of North Florida Ospreys' visit to the University of Central Florida's neighbor, Stetson University, ended in a 5-point defeat, as the Hatters claimed a 76-71 victory. The final margin was a narrow one, reflecting a closely contested matchup between two teams from the lower end of the NET rankings. The Hatters, ranked #329 nationally, held a slight edge over the Ospreys, who came in at #334.
The game was closely balanced throughout, with the Ospreys taking a 10-point lead into the second half. However, the Hatters were able to outscore their visitors 47-31 in the final period, seizing control and ultimately securing the win. The margin of victory was a testament to the Hatters' ability to close out the game, while the Ospreys' second-half struggles ultimately proved decisive.
Finley Sheridan led Stetson's scoring effort with 19 points, shooting an efficient 8-for-11 from the field and 3-for-6 from three-point range. His rebounding prowess was also a key factor, securing 8 boards in the contest. While his assist total was low at 0, his defensive presence was evident, with 1 block recorded. Sheridan's consistent shooting and rebounding made him a valuable asset for the Hatters.
Ethan Copeland contributed 15 points and 5 rebounds, while also distributing the ball effectively with 4 assists. His shooting percentages from the field and three-point range were respectable, despite going 4-for-10 overall and 3-for-7 from beyond the arc. Copeland's free throw shooting was more consistent, converting 4 of his 6 attempts. Collin Kuhl, meanwhile, posted a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds, but struggled at the free throw line, converting only 1 of his 3 attempts.
Kamrin Oriol's 17 points on 7-of-14 shooting from the field and 3-of-9 from three-point range were a bright spot for North Florida, but ultimately not enough to propel his team to victory. Oriol's four assists were a team high, but he struggled with ball security, committing at least one turnover in each quarter. Despite his best efforts, Oriol's shooting percentages were hindered by his poor three-point shooting.
Dalton Gayman's all-around performance was hindered by his inability to make an impact on the glass beyond his six rebounds. Gayman's 14 points on 5-of-11 shooting were respectable, but he failed to provide any additional support beyond his scoring and rebounding. Gayman's lone block was a rare defensive highlight, but it was not enough to swing the momentum in North Florida's favor.
Daniel Macgregor's performance stood out, as he significantly outpaced his season averages in multiple categories. His 8-point outing, while not spectacular, was notable given his modest season average of 4.8 PPG, and his ability to translate that scoring into 8 assists, a substantial increase from his 3.9 APG average, suggests a heightened level of court vision and decision-making.
CHD Scout Report Card
CORRECTPredicted
Final
The final margin of 5 points was a testament to the accuracy of pre-game predictions, as Stetson's 7.5-point advantage proved to be the correct assessment of the game's outcome. While the actual score was lower than anticipated, the Hatters' ability to assert their dominance on the glass and in the paint ultimately decided the contest.
Stetson's elevated rebounding rate, which more than doubled its season average, was a crucial factor in the game's outcome. The Hatters' ability to secure a significant share of available rebounds allowed them to control the tempo and limit North Florida's second-chance scoring opportunities. Additionally, Stetson's sharp shooting from the field, which saw its effective field goal percentage rise to 56.6%, was a testament to the team's ability to capitalize on its scoring chances and create separation from the Ospreys.
The victory for Stetson adds a crucial notch to its NCAA Tournament resume, albeit a modest one, as it moves to 0-3 in Quad 2 games and 0-3 in Quad 1 games. This win will not significantly impact Stetson's NET ranking, but it does provide a much-needed Quad 4 win to bolster its overall body of work. The Hatters now have a total of 10 wins, which is a respectable number for a mid-major program. As a result, Stetson's seeding implications remain unchanged, but this win will be considered in the larger context of the conference tournament and at-large bids.
North Florida's loss, on the other hand, further erodes its NCAA Tournament hopes, as it falls to 0-2 in Quad 2 games and 0-4 in Quad 1 games. The Ospreys now sit at 6-23, with a NET ranking that is likely to drop even further. This loss will make it even more challenging for North Florida to secure an at-large bid, and its seeding implications are now severely compromised, likely relegating it to a First Four appearance or worse.