DELAND, Fla. (Interstat) — Cameron Thomas scored a game-high 32 points and the Stetson Hatters overcame a double-digit deficit to defeat the Stonehill Skyhawks 71-65 in a nonconference women’s basketball game Saturday at Edmunds Center.

The contest was a tale of two halves, defined by a decisive third-quarter surge from the home team. Stonehill, which led by as many as 11 points in the second quarter, saw its offense stagnate after halftime while Thomas and the Hatters found their rhythm.

Stonehill built its early advantage behind a strong second quarter, outscoring Stetson 24-10 to turn a five-point deficit after one period into a 39-30 halftime lead. The Skyhawks shot efficiently before the break and capitalized on a cold spell from Stetson, which managed just 10 points in the quarter.

The momentum shifted dramatically in the third. Stetson opened the period on a 12-4 run, fueled by Thomas and forward Aleah Sorrentino, who finished with 12 points. The Hatters dominated the quarter, outscoring Stonehill 24-18 to take a 54-57 lead into the final frame. Thomas was instrumental, attacking the basket and creating opportunities as Stetson tightened its defense, forcing Stonehill into difficult shots.

Stonehill’s offensive struggles, particularly from beyond the arc, proved costly. The Skyhawks shot just 3 for 24 from three-point range for the game. Despite a perfect 16-for-16 performance at the free-throw line, Stonehill could not counter Stetson’s second-half efficiency. The Hatters scored 17 points off 10 Skyhawks turnovers and shot 8 for 24 from three-point range compared to Stonehill’s dismal long-distance outing.

The fourth quarter was a tense, back-and-forth affair. Stonehill closed to within two points on a Julia Webster three-pointer with 6:33 remaining, making it 61-59. However, Stetson responded with key plays down the stretch. Thomas hit a critical three-pointer with 3:54 left to extend the lead to 67-61, and the Hatters defense held Stonehill to just eight points in the final quarter. The Skyhawks missed their final eight field goal attempts in the last four minutes.

Thomas, a guard from Hazel Crest, Illinois, added two assists in 33 minutes for Stetson. Mary McMillan provided crucial support with 12 points and five assists, while Sorrentino added four assists to her 12 points.

For Stonehill, Brooke Paquette led the way with 17 points. Emma Arcà added 15 points and Ella Pelletier scored 11. Julia Webster was a force defensively, recording four of Stonehill’s six blocks to go with 13 points.

The most important part of the game was Stetson’s third-quarter turnaround. After being outplayed in the second period, the Hatters emerged from halftime with increased defensive intensity and a focused offensive game plan centered on Thomas. This 10-minute stretch erased Stonehill’s hard-earned lead and established a foundation Stetson would not relinquish, ultimately deciding the contest.

With the win, Stetson improves to 7-3 on the season. Stonehill falls to 4-6. Stetson next plays at Miami (Fla.) on Sunday, Dec. 28. Stonehill travels to face Vanderbilt on the same date.