MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – Hanover (6-4 overall) landed four in double figures as they were narrowly edged by no. 9 ranked Babson on Wednesday afternoon, 66-65.
 
Sophomore Grace Bezold (Covington, Ky.) led the Panthers tying a game-high 21 points. Junior Reese Sexton (Louisville, Ky.) added 15 points while teammates sophomore Katherine Benter (Brownstown, Ind.) netted 12 points and senior Callie Wilder (North Vernon, Ind.) 10 points.
 
The Panthers came stampeding out the gate as they surged ahead 7-2 following a Sexton fastbreak. However, no. 9 ranked Babson battled back claiming the 9-8 advantage midway through the frame when a Bezold layup in the lane flipped the script.
 
Hanover continued their hot shooting as sophomore Kady Clancy 9Scottsburg, Ind.) hit a layup before a Sexton two-pointer pushed the Panther lead to 22-15. The two teams continued to throw punches as a pair of Benter free-throws sent the contest into half locked at 34-34.
 
The second half would see Hanover push the difference to as many as 43-38 in the third quarter when a Babson deep ball tied the contest once more. However, Benter showed off her range sinking a three-pointer as time expired to give HC the 52-50 lead.
 
With just 10 minutes remaining in the contest Hanover looked to complete the upset. Leading the fourth quarter charge was Bezold helping to propel the Panthers to the 58-52 advantage. But again, Babson refused to give up the fight as a free-throw with just 25 second remaining propelled them to victory.
 
Hanover returns to action on Wednesday, January 4 when they welcome Mt. St. Joseph to Collier Arena. Tip-off is set for 7:30 PM.