Box Score FRANKLIN, Ind. - The Panthers and Grizzlies met for the fourth time this season on Saturday afternoon with Hanover dropping the road contest 74-62. The Panthers move to 3-3 overall on the season.
 
Hanover had three players finish in double figures led by senior Mark Albers (Pendleton, Ind. / Pendleton Heights) with a team-high 21 points. Sophomore Ty Houston (Union, Ky. / Cooper) added 15 points, while senior Connor Washburn (Indianapolis, Ind. / Fishers) netted 12 points.
 
The opening half saw Franklin claim the early lead when a Houston jumper followed by a pair of Washburn free-throws tied the contest with 16:45 to play. The defensive battle continued with neither team gaining ground when a Houston deep ball ended the scoreless drought putting the Panthers back in front 10-8.  
 
Houston continued to be a dominate force for the Blue and Red as a layup with just over 11 minutes remaining saw Hanover claim its largest lead to date, 12-8. But the excitement didn't last long as the Grizzlies were able to swing the score in their favor at the 7:52 mark. However, the duo of Washburn and Houston continued to fire on all cylinders combining for 21 first half points leaving the Panthers just 33-31 shy at the break.
 
Franklin built on their lead in the second half pushing the difference to 35-31 when a pair of Houston free-throws and a senior Mark Albers (Pendleton, Ind. / Pendleton Heights) jumper knotted the contest. The two teams continued to battle as Albers netted back-to-back scores with 12:22 remaining pulling the Panthers back within 46-45. But a Franklin 6-0 run extended the difference to 52-45.
 
Hanover battled late into the frame as they found themselves trailing by as many as 11 points but were unable to overcome the deficit as Franklin held on for the 74-62 victory. The win is the first for Franklin against the Panthers this season.
 
Hanover returns to action on Friday, February 5 when they travel to Richmond, Ind. to take on the Quakers of Earlham. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM.