HANOVER, Ind. – A second half surge propelled the Hanover men's basketball team past Franklin on Thursday evening, 70-65. The Panthers improve to 3-2 overall on the season.
 
Leading the way for the Blue and Red was senior Connor Washburn (Indianapolis, Ind. / Fishers) picking up a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Freshman Max Greenamoyer (Zionsville, Ind. / University) added 15 points, while teammate freshman Brice Gilman (Clinton, Ind. / South Vermillion) chipped in 10 points.
 
The first half saw the Panthers enter the break trailing 34-27 after a Franklin three-pointer tied their largest lead of the half. However, the second half opened with a Washburn layup before a sophomore Ty Houston (union, Ky. / Cooper) jumper in the paint pulled HC within 36-31.
 
They continued to chip at the lead as back-to-back scores by Houston and freshman Matt Munoz (Indianapolis, Ind. / Southport) pushed Hanover out in front 38-36 with 14:44 remaining. But Franklin refused to give up using a short run to regain the 42-38 advantage with 12:29 to play in the contest. The Grizzlies would see their lead get as much as seven points before a freshman Ryan Morris (McCordsville, Ind. / Mount Vernon) layup in the paint halted the charge with 10:52 play.
 
The back-and-forth battle continued for several minutes when the Panthers stole the momentum following back-to-back three-pointers by freshman Josiah Ricketts (New Harmony, Ind. / North Posey) and Greenamoyer at the 4:10 mark. Hanover claimed the 65-62 lead minutes later following another Greenamoyer deep ball with 2:25 remaining.
 
Franklin looked to make a comeback in the final minute, but a pair of free throws by Washburn and Houston secured the 70-65 victory.
 
Hanover returns to action on Saturday, January 30, at 12 PM when they travel to Franklin.