UNF (18-7, 7-1 ASUN) saw several streaks come to an end with the loss to an energized Hatters (9-15, 3-5) squad. The Ospreys 18-game home win streak, eight-game overall win streak and nine-game win streak versus Stetson were all halted.
Dallas Moore led the way for the Ospreys finishing with 25 points including four three-pointers and 10-for-20 shooting from the floor. Beau Beech nearly had a double-double tallying 15 points and nine rebounds, but was saddled with four fouls early in the second half along with teammates Demarcus Daniels and Chris Davenport, as UNF was unable to have continuity with its lineup. Sophomore Nick Malonga scored 14 points and had a career best seven boards as a spark for the Ospreys.
Derick Newton topped the Hatters with 22 points including the decisive three-point play in the closing seconds. Brian Pegg chipped in a double-double for Stetson finishing with 19 points and 12 rebounds.
The Hatters were flowing offensively in the first half shooting 64 percent from the floor. The two squads traded the lead early in the game before a 10-0 spurt by Stetson midway through the period pushed the momentum in the visitors favor.
The Ospreys closed the half on a 12-5 run highlighted by nine points from Moore to pull within three, 46-43, at intermission.
UNF appeared to get things rolling to start the second half and eventually opened up a seven point advantage, 62-55, after a three-pointer by Malonga with 14 minutes left on the clock. Stetson again used a 10-0 run to regain the lead just over three minutes later.
From there the two squads traded baskets and turns with the lead. Moore converted a jumper with 50 seconds left to put UNF in front 82-81. Newton then grabbed a rebound after the Osprey defense forced a tough shot with 18 seconds to play and converted the putpack and free throw after he was fouled to give Stetson the lead for good.
North Florida now opens up a three-game road swing beginning Saturday with a rematch against FGCU in Ft. Myers.