CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Interstat) — Stetson built a large early lead and withstood a fourth-quarter surge to defeat Queens 69-61 in a women’s NCAA Division I basketball game Thursday night at Levine Center. The Hatters led 34-22 at halftime and by 18 points entering the fourth quarter before the Royals mounted a comeback, outscoring Stetson 26-17 in the final period. The rally fell short as Stetson secured the conference win. Mary McMillan led Stetson with 18 points. Aleah Sorrentino and Cameron Thomas each added 14 points for the Hatters, who improved to 10-6. Dayuna Colvin scored 16 points for Queens, which fell to 7-9. Stetson forced 20 turnovers and outshot Queens from the field, 46% to 32.8%.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Interstat) — In a game defined by a dominant defensive start and a frantic offensive finish, the Stetson Hatters weathered a furious fourth-quarter rally by the Queens Royals to secure a 69-61 victory in an ASUN Conference women’s basketball game Thursday night at Levine Center. Stetson, which led by as many as 23 points in the third quarter, saw its comfortable advantage nearly evaporate as Queens outscored the Hatters 26-17 in the final period. The Royals’ full-court pressure and a sudden surge in scoring from Dayuna Colvin and Magda Freire cut the deficit to single digits in the closing minutes, but the Hatters made just enough free throws down the stretch to seal the win. The most important part of the game was unquestionably the first half, where Stetson built an insurmountable lead through stifling defense and efficient transition play. The Hatters held Queens to a season-low 22 points in the opening half, forcing the Royals into a 7-for-32 shooting performance from the field. Queens managed just 11 points in each of the first two quarters, struggling to find any offensive rhythm against Stetson’s active hands and interior presence. Stetson’s offense, while not spectacular, steadily capitalized on Queens’ struggles. The Hatters closed the first quarter on a 7-0 run, capped by an Aleah Sorrentino 3-pointer, to lead 14-11. They then broke the game open in the second quarter with a 13-2 spurt, extending their lead to 34-22 by halftime. The defensive effort was comprehensive; Stetson recorded five blocks and seven steals in the first half alone, setting a tone that Queens could not overcome until very late. Mary McMillan led Stetson with 18 points, providing crucial scoring in key moments. Aleah Sorrentino and Cameron Thomas each added 14 points, with Sorrentino’s 6-foot-3 frame causing problems defensively. The Hatters shot 46% from the field but were hampered by 20 turnovers and poor free-throw shooting, going 17 for 34 from the line. For Queens, the comeback attempt was spearheaded by Dayuna Colvin, who scored 11 of her team-high 16 points in the fourth quarter. Magda Freire added 11 points, all in the second half, as the Royals finally found their shooting touch, going 10 for 21 in the final period. Jermany Mapp finished with 12 points. Despite the late surge, Queens’ early offensive woes were too deep to fully escape. The Royals finished the game shooting 32.8% from the field and 23.8% from 3-point range. Their 78.2 offensive rating on 78 possessions underscored the difficulty they faced against Stetson’s set defense for the majority of the contest. The victory improved Stetson to 10-6 overall and provided a positive start to the conference schedule. The Hatters have now won two of their last three games. Queens fell to 7-9, dropping its third consecutive contest. Stetson will travel to face West Georgia on Saturday. Queens will host Florida Gulf Coast, also on Saturday. According to National Statistical’s ELO system, Stetson entered the game with a 78.90 percent probability to win. The announced attendance at Levine Center was 172.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Interstat) — A pair of ASUN Conference teams looking to build momentum will meet Thursday when the Stetson Hatters visit the Queens (N.C.) Royals in a women’s NCAA Division I basketball game at Levine Center. Stetson (9-6) enters on a modest upswing after a 56-53 road victory at Austin Peay on Saturday. The Hatters have shown resilience, alternating wins and losses over their last six contests. Their success often hinges on the versatile play of forward Promise Keshi. Over her last eight games, Keshi has averaged 8.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 2.4 blocks, providing a consistent defensive anchor and offensive contributor. In the win over Austin Peay, Cameron Thomas led the way with 16 points and six rebounds. The Royals (7-8) have struggled recently, dropping three straight conference games, including a 64-51 home loss to North Florida on Saturday. During that skid, Queens has been outscored by an average of 41 points. Guard Hannah Hicks has been a bright spot, averaging 8.1 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.9 blocks over her last seven outings. She posted 14 points, three assists and four blocks against North Florida. This matchup presents a contrast in recent fortunes. Stetson’s defense, led by Keshi’s shot-blocking, will test a Queens offense that has been held under 60 points in four of its last five games. The Hatters have proven capable on the road with non-conference wins at UCF and Saint Louis earlier this season. For Queens, stopping Stetson’s balanced attack is paramount. Beyond Keshi, Rose Caso (10 points vs. Austin Peay) provides additional scoring. The Royals will need to improve their offensive efficiency and leverage home court to snap their losing streak. The game is scheduled for a 7 p.m. EST tip-off on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. It marks the first meeting between the programs this season. Stetson will travel to face West Georgia on Saturday, while Queens will host Florida Gulf Coast the same day.