DELAND, Fla. – In the first of two meetings with Stetson in just 15 days, the Jacksonville Dolphins fell in Deland 67-62.

With Wednesday night's loss, JU dropped to 9-17 on the year and 4-9 in conference play. The loss marked four straight losses for the 'Phins prior to Saturday's River City Rumble contest against UNF inside Swisher Gymnasium.

The Dolphins were led by four double-digit scorers, getting 14 points each from Jaylen Jones and Hayden Wood. The freshman Wood increased his double-digit scoring mark in ASUN play to nine games while Jones finished with his third straight double-digit outing.

Jones also led the team with eight boards, a new career best as a 'Phin, finishing just two short his his first career double-double. Down low, Donovan Rivers contributed 11 points while off the bench Chris Arias hit 11 as well.

Jacksonville jumped out to a 2-0 lead after the first possession but found itself tied or trailing for the duration of the first half. At the break, Jacksonville was down 33-26.

At one point in the opening 20 minutes, Stetson's lead ballooned to 15 points but all of that faded away when JU retook the lead with under nine minutes to play in the game. Freshman guard Evan Sterck found nylon to put his team up 47-46. Later, Wood connected on a triple to go up 50-47. 

Late 3-point shooting by the Hatters closed the gap and eventually the game though, handing JU its first loss to Stetson since the 2024 ASUN Tournament Semifinals. 

Jacksonville dominated the glass to the tune of 41 rebounds, besting Stetson's 34. But a 4-22 shooting clip from deep and 25 fouls helped keep the home team alive all game. JU has now posted four straight games with over 20 fouls and has had just one game with over five makes from range during that stretch. 

In the paint, Jason Thirdkill Jr. grabbed seven boards while Rivers added six. Chris Lockett Jr. was held scoreless over 22 minutes but did contribute six rebounds himself.

As a team, JU shot 36% from the field to Stetson's 46%. Both teams logged nine turnovers, with JU's turnover number being its lowest since having just seven in its win over Lipscomb. 

The Dolphins now turn their sights to the biggest rivalry in Duval County, when UNF comes to campus on Saturday, Feb. 14. Last season, UNF took both games over the Dolphins. UNF comes into Saturday's tipoff riding a two-game losing streak. 

One streak must end however when the Rumble happens inside Swisher, with tipoff set for 4 p.m. EST.