FLORENCE, Ala. (Interstat) — ASUN Conference play opens for both teams Thursday as North Alabama hosts Stetson at Flowers Hall, with each seeking momentum after difficult non-conference slates. The Lions (5-6) enter with a slight edge in overall record over the Hatters (4-9). Both teams are coming off decisive road losses to power-conference opponents in their most recent outings. North Alabama fell 91-57 at Loyola Marymount on Dec. 19, while Stetson lost 107-54 at Oklahoma on Dec. 22. Stetson will lean on forward Ethan Copeland, who has been a bright spot. He scored 29 points in a win over Rhodes on Dec. 15 and led the Hatters with 14 points in the loss at Oklahoma. The Hatters have struggled offensively in road games, failing to reach 65 points in four of their five true road contests this season. North Alabama counters with forward Corneilous Williams, who posted 14 points against Loyola Marymount. The Lions showed resilience in a 65-63 road win at San Francisco on Dec. 3 but have since dropped two straight. Defense at home will be key; the Lions are 3-1 at Flowers Hall this season. The matchup begins a critical January stretch for both programs. Stetson visits Central Arkansas on Saturday, while North Alabama hosts Florida Gulf Coast. The teams will meet again in DeLand, Florida, on Jan. 31. Thursday’s contest tips off at 8 p.m. EST.