JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Interstat) — Stetson built a halftime lead and held off North Florida for an 84-77 victory in ASUN Conference men’s basketball Thursday night at UNF Arena.

The Hatters led 39-36 at halftime and maintained their advantage throughout the second half before a crowd of 1,476. The Ospreys could not complete a comeback despite a more efficient second-half offensive performance.

The win improved Stetson to 8-14 this season. North Florida fell to 5-17. The result defied a national statistical projection that heavily favored the home team. The combined 161 points fell short of the pregame over/under line of 167.