North Alabama Edges Stetson in Close Contest
Saturday, January 31, 2026, 2:00 PM ET · Insight Credit Union Arena at Edmunds Center
North Alabama Lions 68, Stetson Hatters 66, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won North Alabama Lions vs Stetson Hatters?
North Alabama Lions beat Stetson Hatters 68-66 at Insight Credit Union Arena at Edmunds Center on January 31, 2026.
Who was favored in North Alabama Lions vs Stetson Hatters?
Stetson Hatters were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -122 (about 55% implied). The underdog won.
In a tightly contested matchup, the North Alabama Lions triumphed over the Stetson Hatters with a final score of 68-66 at the Insight Credit Union Arena at Edmunds Center. This victory marks a significant moment for North Alabama, who had been struggling in recent games, entering the contest with a record of 7-13 and a dismal 1-9 over their last ten outings. The win breaks a four-game losing streak for the Lions, providing a much-needed boost to their morale as they continue their season.
Stetson, on the other hand, came into the game with an 8-15 record and a 4-6 mark over their last ten games, including a recent win against North Florida Ospreys just a day prior to this matchup. Despite their recent form showing some promise, Stetson was unable to capitalize on their home advantage in this game.
The Hatters had been averaging 75.6 points scored per game while allowing 83.3 points, indicating a defensive vulnerability that North Alabama sought to exploit. In contrast, the Lions averaged 68.6 points scored and allowed 81.6 points over their last ten games, highlighting their own struggles to find consistency on both ends of the court.
Historically, the two teams had met twice in the current season, with Stetson winning the first encounter 70-67 on January 1, 2026. However, the Lions turned the tables in this latest matchup, demonstrating resilience and a capacity to adapt their strategy. The previous meeting had seen Stetson dominate at home, but this time, North Alabama's performance on the road proved decisive.
In terms of player contributions, Calvin Sirmans III played a pivotal role for North Alabama, making crucial free throws and assisting on key plays. The scoring plays in the second half showcased a back-and-forth battle, with both teams exchanging leads. As the game progressed, North Alabama extended their lead to as much as eight points at one point, but Stetson fought back, narrowing the gap and keeping the game competitive until the final whistle.
Injuries were not a significant factor reported in this matchup, allowing both teams to field their regular lineups. The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Stetson favored by 1.5 points, with a total set at 144.5 for the game. This line reflected the expectation of a close contest, which ultimately proved accurate as the game concluded with a narrow margin.
The conditions in the arena were conducive to an exciting game, with a lively crowd supporting the Hatters. However, the pressure of the home crowd did not translate into a victory for Stetson, as North Alabama managed to maintain composure in the closing moments of the game.
Fans watching the game were treated to a showcase of determination and skill, particularly in the second half, where the intensity ramped up significantly. The final moments saw North Alabama's ability to execute under pressure, with key layups and free throws sealing the win. This game serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of college basketball, where any team can rise to the occasion, regardless of their recent form.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | STET -1.5 | 144.5 o -115 / u -105 | North Alabama Lions +102 · Stetson Hatters -122 |
Leaders
- PointsCollin Kuhl23Stetson Hatters
- AssistsCalvin Sirmans III6Stetson Hatters
- ReboundsCollin Kuhl8Stetson Hatters
- PointsDonte Bacchus23North Alabama Lions
- AssistsCanin Jefferson10North Alabama Lions
- ReboundsCorneilous Williams10North Alabama Lions
Recent form
Stetson Hatters
Last 10: 4-6Streak W175.6 scored · 83.3 allowed per game2-2 at home
- W84-77at North Florida OspreysJan 30
- L65-73at Austin Peay GovernorsJan 23
- L74-79at Lipscomb BisonsJan 22
- L81-87vs Queens University RoyalsJan 17
- W95-86vs West Georgia WolvesJan 16
- L69-81vs Austin Peay GovernorsJan 10
- W91-83vs Lipscomb BisonsJan 9
- L73-93at Central Arkansas BearsJan 3
- W70-67at North Alabama LionsJan 1
- L54-107at Oklahoma SoonersDec 23
North Alabama Lions
Last 10: 1-9Streak L468.6 scored · 81.6 allowed per game1-5 away
- L64-72at Florida Gulf Coast EaglesJan 30
- L62-87at Queens University RoyalsJan 22
- L68-90vs Jacksonville DolphinsJan 17
- L91-105vs North Florida OspreysJan 16
- W82-73at Bellarmine KnightsJan 10
- L80-88at Eastern Kentucky ColonelsJan 9
- L55-72vs Florida Gulf Coast EaglesJan 3
- L67-70vs Stetson HattersJan 1
- L57-91at Loyola Marymount LionsDec 20
- L60-68at Alabama A&M BulldogsDec 16
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Utah Valley | 25-9 | - | 14-4 |
| California Baptist | 25-9 | 1 | 13-5 |
| Utah Tech | 19-15 | 2 | 11-7 |
| UT Arlington | 18-14 | 5 | 9-9 |
| Southern Utah | 10-22 | 7 | 6-12 |
| Tarleton State | 14-18 | 9 | 5-13 |
| Abilene Christian | 14-19 | 9 | 5-13 |
| Austin Peay | 22-9 | +1 | 15-3 |
| Central Arkansas | 22-12 | +1 | 15-3 |
| Queens University | 21-14 | 2 | 13-5 |
| Lipscomb | 19-13 | 3 | 12-6 |
| Florida Gulf Coast | 16-18 | 7 | 8-10 |
| West Georgia | 15-17 | 6 | 8-10 |
| Bellarmine | 13-19 | 8 | 7-11 |
| Jacksonville | 12-20 | 8 | 7-11 |
| Stetson | 12-21 | 8 | 7-11 |
| Eastern Kentucky | 11-21 | 7 | 7-11 |
| North Florida | 7-25 | 10 | 5-13 |
| North Alabama | 9-21 | 10 | 4-14 |
Box score
| Stat | North Alabama Lions | Stetson Hatters |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 25-52 | 23-57 |
| Field goal % | 48 | 40 |
| Three-pointers | 6-21 | 6-21 |
| Three-point % | 29 | 29 |
| Free throws | 12-18 | 14-16 |
| Free throw % | 67 | 88 |
| Rebounds | 32 | 34 |
| Offensive rebounds | 9 | 12 |
| Defensive rebounds | 23 | 22 |
| Assists | 15 | 18 |
| Steals | 7 | 10 |
| Blocks | 5 | 1 |
| Turnovers | 11 | 11 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 8 | 15 |
| Fast-break points | 9 | 9 |
| Points in the paint | 36 | 34 |
| Fouls | 14 | 14 |
| Largest lead | 13 | 4 |
| Lead changes | 8 | 8 |
| Time in front | 81 | 10 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half34-29Donte Bacchus makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half34-31Finley Sheridan makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half37-31Dallas Howell makes 24-foot three point jumper (Canin Jefferson assists)
- 2nd Half37-33Calvin Sirmans III makes layup
- 2nd Half37-35Calvin Sirmans III makes layup
- 2nd Half39-35Donte Bacchus makes layup
- 2nd Half39-38Finley Sheridan makes 25-foot three point jumper (Calvin Sirmans III assists)
- 2nd Half40-38Dallas Howell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half41-38Dallas Howell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half41-40Collin Kuhl makes layup (Daniel Macgregor assists)
- 2nd Half42-40Donte Bacchus makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half42-42Finley Sheridan makes 10-foot jumper (Daniel Macgregor assists)
- 2nd Half44-42Corneilous Williams makes layup (Braylon Patton assists)
- 2nd Half46-42Canin Jefferson makes layup
- 2nd Half46-45Jake Johnson makes 24-foot three point jumper (Finley Sheridan assists)
- 2nd Half46-46Jake Johnson makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half48-46Dallas Howell makes 15-foot jumper (Canin Jefferson assists)
- 2nd Half50-46Donte Bacchus makes layup (Canin Jefferson assists)
- 2nd Half51-46Canin Jefferson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half52-46Canin Jefferson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half54-46Canin Jefferson makes layup
- 2nd Half55-46Kevin de Kovachich makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half56-46Kevin de Kovachich makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half59-46Dallas Howell makes 24-foot three point jumper (Canin Jefferson assists)
- 2nd Half59-48Collin Kuhl makes layup
- 2nd Half59-49Collin Kuhl makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half61-49Donte Bacchus makes layup
- 2nd Half61-51Collin Kuhl makes layup (Alex Doyle assists)
- 2nd Half63-51Corneilous Williams makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half63-54Alex Doyle makes 25-foot three point jumper (Calvin Sirmans III assists)
- 2nd Half63-56Collin Kuhl makes layup (Finley Sheridan assists)
- 2nd Half63-58Calvin Sirmans III makes layup
- 2nd Half63-59Calvin Sirmans III makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half65-59Donte Bacchus makes layup (Canin Jefferson assists)
- 2nd Half65-60Calvin Sirmans III makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-60Kevin de Kovachich makes layup
- 2nd Half67-62Collin Kuhl makes layup (Finley Sheridan assists)
- 2nd Half67-64Finley Sheridan makes layup (Calvin Sirmans III assists)
- 2nd Half67-66Collin Kuhl makes layup (Calvin Sirmans III assists)
- 2nd Half68-66Canin Jefferson makes free throw 1 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Stetson Hatters, below favours North Alabama Lions.
Venue
- Insight Credit Union Arena at Edmunds CenterDeLand, FL
- Attendance777
- OfficialsNelson Santiago, Adam James, Felix Fuerte
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