Semester Sunset
Hatters obliterate the Johnson Suns 123–43 on Sunday
The Stetson Hatters grabbed a win in historical fashion against the division II NCCAA school Johnson University (Fla.), winning 123–43. The 80-point win margin sets the record for the largest winning point differential in program history, with the previous record being that of 68 points all the way back in 1942 against Tampa. This is also Stetson’s highest scoring game this season, surpassing their 109-point win against Trinity Baptist. While the Hatters revel in their large win, Johnson continues racking up losses in the school’s final year, as they are slated to shut down after the Spring 2024 semester.
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Stetson handled their business accordingly against a Division II opponent. Jalen Blackmon led the team in scoring, as he usually does, with 22 points off of 58% from the field and 60% behind the three-point line. The Minnesota transfer Treyton Thompson led the team in shooting percentage with a perfect 100% from the field, producing 16 points (2nd in team scoring). Alec Oglesby, Cyncier Harrison, and Aubin Gateretse also scored 10 points or more. Impressively enough, the whole team was impeccable from the free throw line, making all of their 12 shots. The secondary lineup saw a lot of action in this game, with Finley Sheridan, Giancarlo Valdez, Naeem Lewis, and Bruce Kaano playing significant minutes alongside Harrison and Thompson. Tristan Gross actually got the start in this game, putting up eight points off of two buckets, two three pointers, and two free throws. Gross and Thompson shared playing time with 13 minutes each, while Thompson scored double the baskets Gross did.
The Hatters thoroughly trounce the Suns in the last ever matchup between the two programs, but things will only get harder. Stetson now has another road stretch, facing off Nebraska-Omaha, Florida Atlantic, and Cincinnati before returning home to play Charlotte on the 29th. They will face tough competition before their first conference game against UNF.
