HANOVER, Ind. – Senior Isaac Hibbard (New Albany, Ind.) netted his 1,000-career point to help propel Hanover past Mt. St. Joseph on Wednesday evening in Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference action 77-72. With the win, the Panthers move to 8-2 overall, 4-1 HCAC.
 
The Blue and Red saw three players finish in double figures paced by sophomore Matt Munoz (Indianapolis, Ind.) with a team-high 21 points. Hibbard added 19 points, while junior Ty Houston (Union, Ky.) netted 16 points.
 
The contest opened at a quick pace with both team's exchanging baskets before a Munoz layup followed by a junior Ty Houston (Union, Ky.) runner in the lane pushed HC in front 14-11. The Panthers continued to set the pace as a defensive rebound at the 10:00 minute mark paid dividends for junior Jack Wininger (Elnora, Ind.) who pushed HC out front 20-15.
 
However, MSJ remained poise using a run of their own to head into the 6:00 minute mark of the opening frame with the slim 23-22 advantage. The 3:04 minute mark would see Hibbard connect for his 1,000-career point to help propel Hanover to the 37-31 halftime lead.
 
The second half saw the track meet continue as both teams used fast play to try to gain an edge when Houston connected for his 11^th point of the evening at the 14:02 mark to give HC the 46-41 advantage.
 
The final minutes of the contest saw MSJ look to make a surge as they were able to pull within 59-54 before the hot hand of Munoz was able to halt the charge. Hanover never looked back claiming their largest lead to date at the 3:25 minute mark, 71-54 before securing the HCAC victory.
 
The Hanover Panthers return to action on Saturday, January 8 when they travel to Earlham. Game time is set for 1:00 PM.