ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – The Panthers (1-1 overall) staged a second half comeback that fell short as part of the Hyatt Place Tournament Championship on Saturday evening, falling to Aurora 60-59.
Leading the Blue and Red was junior
Grace Bezold (Covington, Ky.) with a game-high 16 points while junior
Katherine Benter (Brownstown, Ind.) turned in a balanced performance with nine points and seven rebounds.
The opening half saw Aurora capture the double-digit advantage following a big first quarter, 16-6. However, Hanover began to settle in using a 9-0 run paced by freshman
Kaitlyn Lorenzi (Brentwood, Tenn.) to close out the first half and pull HC within 27-21.
Pacing the Panther offense in the first half was Benter with six rebounds and four points.
The second half would see Hanover continue to surge as they were able to slowly overcome the deficit, knotting the score at 37-37 with 1:41 remaining in the third quarter. They claimed the lead moments later off a sophomore
Kylah Lawson (Columbus, Ind.) layup, 41-39.
Lorenzi continued to be a key scorer for the Panthers in the fourth quarter as she netted a three-pointer before Aurora responded. The Spartans claimed the slim advantage when Benter connected from long range with 6:27 remaining, 50-47.
However, it wasn't enough as Aurora used success at the free throw line to secure the 60-59 win.
Hanover returns to the hardwood on Saturday, Nov. 18 when they travel to Earlham for Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference action. Tip-off is slated for 2:00 PM.
