You can call this week Basketball Mania in DeLand. Or, you can call it “A Chance to Dance.” Either way, there will be ASUN Tournament playoff basketball for the Hatters at the Edmunds Center — for the men’s team on March 5 and for the women’s team March 9.

On Tuesday, March 5, the men’s team, as the No. 2 seed in its tournament, takes on the winner of a game being played on Monday, March 4, between Queens College and Florida Gulf Coast University. Game time for the Hatters on Tuesday is 7 p.m., which is also the same time for the Monday game to decide their opponent (also at the Edmunds Center). If the Hatters win, they’ll host a game on Thursday, March 7, with opponent and game time to be determined.

Similarly, the women’s team, as the No. 2 seed in its tournament, plays March 9 at 6 p.m. at the Edmunds Center — against the winner of a game being played on March 8 against Kennesaw State University and Austin Peay State University (also at the Edmunds Center). If the Hatters win, they’ll host a game on Tuesday, March 12, with opponent and game time to be determined.

For both the men and women, that means the Hatters are only three wins away from advancing to the NCAA Basketball Tournament — March Madness, also known as college basketball’s Big Dance. 

Mark it down. The Hatters have a chance at having an unprecedented national spotlight shined upon them. 

Now, fans, here’s your part: The Hatters need your help from the stands. The men finished the regular season with a home record of 11-2 and 19-12 overall. They feature one of the ASUN’s top scorers in Jalen Blackmon. Also, they have Stephan Swenson, who recently became the all-time assist leader for Stetson. 

The women finished the regular season with a home record of 10-4 and 17-13 overall. The team is led by the scoring of Jamiya Turner, along with impressive balance on offense and defense from multiple other players.

Both teams have been dominant on their home court. This time is different, however. One loss puts an end to their season. Here is a preview of the men’s game. 

So, fans: Will you be at the games this week? 

The ASUN sets the ticket prices — and students are free of charge. Ticket prices: ages 17 and under, $5; general admission, $20; premium seating, $25. 

Note: Email [email protected] or call the ticket office at (386)-738-4287 for more information about tickets. For more coverage about the teams, visit GoHatters.com.

-Michael Candelaria