Stetson Hatters of DeLand fall To USC Upstate, 90-72, to end college basketball season

Chris Perez of Stetsomn UniversityCourtesy photo by Jim Hogue photos / A strong offensive game from Chris Perez was no enough Saturday for the Stetson Hatters to keep their college basketball hopes alive for a post-season berth.

SPARTANBURG, SC – Chris Perez scored a game-high 23 for the Stetson Hatters of DeLand, but it wasn't enough to overcome USC Upstate with four players in double digits and an abrupt end to the basketball season.   

The Hatters knew going into Saturday afternoon’s game at USC Upstate what the stakes were. Win and the Hatters earn a spot in the Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament. Lose, and the season is over.

Early on the Hatters had things going their way, but the Spartans closed the first half on a 16-0 run and then pulled away for a 90-72 victory. The Hatters close the season with a record of 9-20, 6-12 in the Atlantic Sun. They tied for eighth place in the standings with Jacksonville, but lost out on a spot in the tournament on the tie-breaker.

Stetson led 30-26 with 6:21 left in the first half, but did not score again until the 17:54 mark of the second half. By that time, the Spartans had built a 13-point lead. Upstate built its lead to as many as 27 points down the stretch.

Stetson was hurt by 20 turnovers in the game, which led to 30 points by Upstate. The Spartans also dominated in the paint, outscoring the Hatters 50-32.

Stetson was led offensively by sophomore Chris Perez, who led all scorers in the game with 23 points. Junior center Adam Pegg added 17 for the Hatters.

USC Upstate (20-11, 13-5) was led by Torrey Craig with 20 points. Ricardo Glenn and Adrian Rodgers added 13 each and Jodd Maxey finished with 11.