Postseason Basketball comes to Stetson University

Stetson University Women's BasketballStetson University is no stranger to serving as a host institution for March Madness. Five times, Stetson has served as host for the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship, including the 2014 Second and Third Rounds at the Amway Center.

However, in all five instances the tournament games were played in Orlando. Now, for the first time, postseason basketball is coming to DeLand, as Stetson is hosting the first round of the WNIT at 7 p.m. Friday night against Richmond.

“I have been a part of many NCAA basketball championships, but I have never been as excited about hosting an event as I am about hosting this one,” Stetson Director of Athletics Jeff Altier said. “It is a terrific opportunity for our students, our faculty, our staff, and our entire community to experience postseason basketball at the Edmunds Center.”

The Hatters (23-7) will making their third appearance in the WNIT, but for the first time they will be competing on their home court. Stetson’s previous WNIT games have been played at Florida International, at Miami, and at USF.

“I think it is great for us that we are getting to host,” Stetson head coach Lynn Bria said. “I think that is another breakthrough for our program. We have some great opportunities in front of us. Hopefully we can play as long as we can.”

In addition to bringing the WNIT to the Stetson campus, the Hatters are hoping to use their home court advantage as a springboard into the later rounds of the tournament. Overall, Stetson has won 21 consecutive games against non-conference opponents at the Edmunds Center.

The winner of Friday’s game will advance to play the winner of the Youngstown State vs. Duquesne game, which will be contested on Thursday night. The date and location of the second round contest will be determined at the conclusion of all first round games.

Ticket prices are just $10 for reserved seats, $8 for general admission, and $5 for children age 3-17. All Stetson students are free with a valid Stetson ID. Season ticket holders must purchase tickets in order to attend the game. Season ticket cards will not be a valid form of entry on Friday.

Tickets can be purchased at the Edmunds Center box office, by phone at (386) 738-HATS, as well as online at GoHatters.com/tix.

The game will also be broadcast live by ESPN3 and WSBB radio.

by Jamie Bataille

GoHatters.com