HANOVER, Ind. – The men's basketball team returns to the hardwood this week taking on area rival Franklin. The Panthers will play host to the Grizzlies on Thursday, January 28, before traveling to Franklin on Saturday, January 30.
 
WE MEET AGAIN: Hanover and Franklin tip-off for the third time this season with the Panthers holding the 2-0 overall advantage defeating the Grizzlies 76-74 and 69-62. Senior Mark Albers (Pendleton, Ind. / Pendleton Heights) dominated the series averaging a team-best 16.0 ppg while pulling in 4.5 rpg. As a team, the Blue and Red averaged 72.5 ppg, shooting an impressive 43.3 percent from the floor.
 
STREAKS: With the early season sweep, the Panthers hold a 10-game win streak over the Grizzlies dating back to the 2017 season.
 
IN THE PAINT: Senior Connor Washburn (Indianapolis, Ind. / Fishers) continued to dominate the paint for the Panthers leading the conference in blocks. The senior is averaging 2.5 blocks per game with 10 total blocks on the season. He also enters the week averaging 4.8 points per contest, while shooting 46.2 percent from the field.
 
UP NEXT: The Panthers will open play next week on Friday, February 5, when they take on the Quakers of Earlham College.