DELAND, Fla. (Interstat) — The Stetson Hatters delivered a dominant defensive performance and capitalized on a relentless offensive attack to overwhelm the Bellarmine Knights 76-41 in an ASUN Conference women’s basketball game Saturday at Edmunds Center.

The game was effectively decided in the first half as Stetson built an insurmountable lead, holding Bellarmine to just 17 points over the opening two quarters. The Hatters led 18-12 after the first quarter and extended their advantage to 35-17 by halftime. Bellarmine’s offensive struggles were profound, shooting a frigid 27.1% from the field for the game and committing 15 turnovers, which Stetson converted into 22 points.

Stetson’s balance and efficiency were on full display. The Hatters shot 45.9% from the field, dominated the paint with a 34-10 scoring advantage, and outrebounded the Knights 44-28, including a decisive 13-3 edge on the offensive glass that led to 16 second-chance points.

Cameron Thomas led all scorers for Stetson, contributing 17 points, five rebounds and a block in just 22 minutes. Mary McMillan added 16 points and four assists, while Promise Keshi filled the stat sheet with six points, seven rebounds, four assists and two blocks. The Hatters’ depth was evident as nine different players scored, with Candela Garcia-Escribano adding nine points, five rebounds and two blocks.

Bellarmine, which fell to 2-23 overall, was led by Ava Smith’s game-high 19 points. Patricia Sherrill added six points and five rebounds. The Knights’ offensive rating of 60.7 on 68 possessions underscored a afternoon of futility, marking their fourth consecutive game failing to reach 50 points.

The most important stretch of the game occurred early in the second quarter. Leading 18-12, Stetson opened the period with a 12-2 run over the first six minutes, holding Bellarmine without a field goal. The run was fueled by stifling defense, which forced four Knights turnovers during the span, and efficient offense, including a 3-pointer from Sierra Driessen and a layup from Rose Caso. This surge pushed the Hatters’ lead to 30-14, and Bellarmine never threatened again, failing to get within single digits for the remainder of the contest.

Stetson continued to pull away after halftime, leading 53-27 after three quarters before closing out the victory with a 23-point fourth quarter. The Hatters improved to 15-8 overall and have now won three of their last four conference games.

The announced attendance was 605.

Stetson next travels to face Jacksonville on Thursday. Bellarmine returns home to host Lipscomb on the same night.