Stetson defeats Bethune-Cookman 77-72 on late free throws

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) Kentwan Smith and Angel Rivera each sank a pair of free throws in the last half-minute as Stetson fended off Bethune-Cookman 77-72 in a nonconference meeting of cross-county rivals Tuesday night, winning its third straight game.

The Hatters (8-15) shot 56 percent in the second half to overcome an eight-point Bethune-Cookman lead. Brian Pegg started a 12-0 rally with a layup just after checking back into the game, Smith and Grant Lozoya added back-to-back buckets, and Smith hit a layup to tie at 50. Smith capped the 12-0 run with a dunk.

Stetson went on to lead by as many as seven.

Bethune-Cookman (7-16) came within a basket, 74-72, when Travis Elliott scored on a putback with 20 seconds left.

Ricky Johnson scored a career-high 28 points for the Wildcats but missed twice in in the final nine seconds. Quintin Brewer added 17 points with 13 rebounds.