CSU falls apart against Stetson

Stetson 76, Charleston Southern 70

DELAND, Fla. — Stetson's Garfield Blair and Eric Diaz combined for 18 of Stetson's 19 points during a key second-half run to lift the Hatters to a 76-70 win over Charleston Southern on Monday.

Blair finished with 22 points and Diaz 15 as the Hatters improved to 4-9 on the season. Charleston Southern lost its third straight.

Stetson entered the game averaging only 58.8 points per game but exploded for a 54-point second-half to overcome a nine-point deficit.

Freshman Tovi Bailey scored a career-high 17 points to pace Charleston Southern (5-8). Freshman Omar Carter scored 16 points and senior Chris Moore had 11.

The Buccaneers were plagued by 21 turnovers.

"The turnovers definitely hurt us but I was most disappointed with our play defensively," said CSU head coach Barclay Radebaugh. "We're good enough offensively to compete with anyone we play but defensively we're not good enough to compete. Seventy points should be enough to win basketball games."

Charleston Southern led 41-33 with 14:30 left in the game. Blair and Diaz then took the game over with Blair scoring three consecutive baskets and three free throws while Diaz added three 3-pointers as the Hatters went on a 22-13 run to take a 55-54 lead with just over 5 minutes left in the game.

Moore gave CSU a 59-56 lead with a pair of free throws, but another Diaz 3-pointer gave the Hatters a 60-59 lead with 3:33 left.

Jamarco Warren's 3-pointer pulled the Bucs to within three at 71-68 with 33 seconds remaining but got no closer.

Charleston Southern hosts Ohio Christian on Saturday.