ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Hanover (3-1 overall) advanced the championship game of the Washington U. Lopata Tournament on Friday evening defeating the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire 81-66.
 
Hanover landed three in double figures led by senior Ty Houston (Union, Ky.) with a team-high 16 points. Senior Max Greenamoyer (Zionsville, Ind.) and sophomore Avery Saunders (Ladoga, Ind.) added 13 points apiece.
 
After an early back and forth battle the Panther offense began to settle in as freshman William Herald (Fort Thomas, Ky.) sank a three-pointer to give HC the 20-12 lead. Hanover continued the attack using an 8-0 run led by senior Matt Munoz (Indianapolis, Ind.) with a pair of runners in the lane to give Hanover its largest lead of the first half, 37-21.
 
However, the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire responded outscoring Hanover in the final four minute 11-1 to cut the halftime difference to 40-32.  
 
Houston paced the first half attack with a team best seven points.
 
The momentum for the Blugolds continued in the second half as they were able to pull within 42-40 before Greenamoyer halted the charge. Greenamoyer led the offensive response with a quick surge that saw Hanover once again extend the lead to double-digits.
 
Hanover continued to display success when the Blugolds shut it down. They were able to cut the difference to 68-59 before the Panthers pounced. Hanover responded with a run that pushed the advantage back to 74-59 at the 4:21 point.
 
The Blue and Red went on to win the contest 81-66 and advance to the Lopata Tournament Championship.
 
Hanover returns to action on Saturday, Nov. 18 when they compete as part of the Championship hosted by Washington University of St. Louis.