DELAND, Fla. – Bethune-Cookman cut an 11-point deficit to one, but Stetson got a one-man 6-0 run from Mahamadou Diawara to post a 72-67 victory Tuesday night in the Edmunds Center.

Diawara had a season-high 22 points plus 10 rebounds, including two free throws in the final seconds of the game to allow Stetson (5-5) to snap a two-game losing streak to the Wildcats (5-4) in the Volusia County rivalry.

Malik Maitland's jumper with 3:37 remaining brought the Wildcats to 61-60 after they trailed 50-39, but Diawara answered with six straight points.

The Wildcats got within three points, 70-67 on two free throws from Isaiah Bailey with 19 seconds remaining, but could pull no closer.

Maitland had a season-high 16 points for BCU, who shot just 28 percent in the first half. Leon Redd added 11 points, while Bailey finished with nine points and 11 rebounds.

Cletrell Pope, who entered the game as the nation's leader rebounder, drew three first-half fouls, He finished with seven points and ten boards.

Houston Smith added eight points, while Jordan Preaster, who had a strong second half defensively, added seven.

BCU travels to Jacksonville Saturday.

HEAD COACH RYAN RIDDER
"We have to find a way to regroup and get better."

"Give Stetson credit. They had a heck of a game plan and were able to control the tempo all night."

"Anytime Cletrelle is not on the floor, we're not as good a team. His third foul changed the whole game."

"Malik is capable of being the best player on the court every night. Jordan gave us a lot of energy."