NORTH MANCHESTER, Ind. – The Hanover Panthers used a second half surge on Saturday afternoon to propel themselves to the no. 1 seed in the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference Tournament and the HCAC Regular Season Title, defeating Manchester 70-58.

The Panthers pick-up their fourth HCAC title in as many as five season (2020-21 no winner - Covid-19). Hanover's last regular season title came during the 2018-19 campaign when the Blue and Red advanced to the NCAA Tournament.
 
The Panthers were led by junior Ty Houston (Union, Ky.) and junior Jack Wininger (Elnora, Ind.) with a pair of double-doubles. Houston netted 20 points with 14 rebounds, while Wininger added 13 points and 10 boards.
 
The first half saw the Blue and Red enter the break with just the slim 32-30 margin, but the second half would see the Panthers crank up the intensity. Houston led the charge pacing a Hanover 6-0 run that pushed them to the 47-41 advantage.
 
The hot streak continued as senior Isaac Hibbard (New Albany, Ind.) extended the difference to double digits following a jumper at the 7:49 mark. The Panthers never looked back using their sharp shooting from behind the three-point line to secure the win.
 
Hanover returns to action on Tuesday, Feb. 15 when they welcome Transylvania for Senior Day. Game time is set for 7:30 PM.