Box Score BLUFFTON, Ohio – First half domination leads Hanover (5-2 overall, 2-0 HCAC) past Bluffton in Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference action on Saturday afternoon, 74-50.
 
Hanover was led in the contest by sophomore Grace Bezold (Covington, Ky.) with a game-high 18 points and eight rebounds. Junior Taylor Heath (Fairland, Ind.) added 12 points while sophomore Katherine Benter (Brownstown, Ind.) netted 11 points.
 
The opening frame saw the Panthers fall behind early when a 9-0 run paced by Bezold propelled HC in front 11-5. Hanover never looked back entering the second quarter leading 17-8 after a pair of Heath free throws.
 
Hanover carried the momentum into the second frame as they were able to push the difference to double digits following a Bezold scoop and score at the 7:32 mark, 23-11. Hanover continued to be all gas with junior Skylar Sahatjian (Prospect, Ky.) leading another Panther run forcing a Bluffton timeout with 5:00 minutes remaining, 29-15. The Panthers entered the intermission with the commanding 41-19 advantage after 10 first half points by Bezold.
 
Bluffton pushed the tempo to open the second half cutting the deficit to 45-29 when Benter delivered a jumper in the lane. Junior Maddi Sears (Carmel, Ind.) connected moments later with a three-pointer before a Bezold layup saw HC lead 54-33 with 4:56 remaining in the third frame.
 
The Blue and Red continued their offensive dominate late into the contest defeating the Beavers 74-50 to remain perfect in HCAC action.
 
Hanover returns to action on Saturday, Dec. 10 when they welcome HCAC opponent Defiance to Collier Arena. Game time is set for 2:00 PM.