Hatters Basketball suffered another loss Thursday in the latest episode of what has been a disappointing start to the season, this time at the hands of the New Jersey Institute of Technology Highlanders (16-5). Losing by a final score score of 59 – 82, the Hatters began to fall apart in the second half. Though Stetson trailed by only six at halftime, the Highlanders got a 13-1 run out of the gate after halftime. They never recovered and proved unable to mount a stable offensive attack.

Zach Cooks led the way offensively for the Highlanders, scoring 16 points and notching 3 assists. Keith Matthews secured a season high 7 rebounds for Stetson. Overall, the three-point ball was a major point of contention that swung the game in the Highlanders’ favor. NJIT went 12-for-22 from beyond the arc while Stetson went a dismal 2-for-17.

The disappointing game drops Stetson’s record to 4-17, and 0-6 within the conference. In order to boost attendance, Stetson University has implemented new marketing tactics to get students to come to home games. Student employees were given a coupon for a free popcorn. Additionally, the halftime show was highlighted by Tyler’s Amazing Balancing Act. A professional performer, Tyler Scheuer balances large and heavy objects on his face. The halftime show at the Stetson-NJIT game culminated with Tyler balancing a large ladder on his chin to the applause and excitement of the crowd. Ironically, it seemed as if the greatest emotion from the crowd came during the time that no actual basketball was being played.

The Hatters will hope to get back on track soon with only a few games left in the season in order to avoid finishing last in the conference.