DeLand, Fla. - Casey Wohlleb scored 21 points and grabbed seven rebounds as the Eagles fell to Stetson in overtime Saturday night at the Edmunds Center.
The Hatters (14-15, 9-5 A-Sun) raced out to a 40-22 halftime lead thanks in large part to their hot shooting in the first half. Stetson shot 60 percent (15-of-25) from the field and 72.7 percent (8-of-11) from behind the 3-point line, while the Eagles (9-19, 5-9 A-Sun) shot only 9-of-27 (33.3 percent) from the field and 2-of-8 (25 percent) from long range.
FGCU, which arrived 90 minutes late at the Edmunds Center due to unforeseen travel issues, found their rhythm in the second half. The Eagles cut an 18-point deficit down into single digits with six minutes left and held Stetson off the scoreboard the final 2:22 of regulation, erasing a seven-point Hatter lead. Casey Wohlleb (Boca Raton, Fla.) drained a three-pointer with 30 seconds left to complete the comeback and tie the game.
Stetson had a chance to win at the buzzer but an off-balance three-pointer by junior forward Eric Diaz did not fall, sending the game into the extra session.
FGCU took its first lead since the opening seconds 16 seconds into overtime when Chad Lutkenhaus (Labelle, Fla.) knocked down two free throws. After that A.J. Smith took over and carried the Hatters. After being fouled, he sank two free throws to tie the game; on the ensuing possession Smith grabbed the defensive rebound and took the ball coast-to-coast for the basket that put Stetson back ahead to stay, 64-62 with 3:35 left in OT. Smith put the exclamation point on the game with a breakaway dunk in the final seconds.
Wohlleb had a strong game for the Eagles, finishing with 21 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Terike Barrowes (Pompano Beach, Fla.) added 16 points, eight rebounds and three steals while Rob Quaintance (Glendale, Ariz.) scored 12 points, dished out six helpers and frustrated the Hatters all night by ripping off seven steals.
The Eagles return to action on Thursday, Feb. 28 when they host to Jacksonville in the second game a double-header with the women's team.
