CINCINNATI, Ohio – The Panthers (5-4 overall, 4-0 HCAC) staged a second half comeback to remain perfect in Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference action on Saturday afternoon, 69-59.
 
The Panthers saw four land in double figures led by junior Grace Bezold (Covington, Ky.) with a team-high 15 points. The duo of senior Taylor Heath (Fairland, Ind.) and junior Kady Clancy (Scottsburg, Ind.) added 13 points apiece while freshman Sammy Berman (Independence, Ky.) netted 11 points. Sophomore Kylah Lawson (Columbus, Ind.) just missed a double-double netting nine points with nine rebounds.  
 
Hanover got off to a sluggish start to open the contest as MSJ surged ahead 15-5 at the 6:22 mark in the opening frame. However, the Panthers were able to combat the attack as a Lawson layup with just over three to play cut the difference to 17-12. Clancy provided the final dagger of the period pulling HC within 19-16.
 
However, the second quarter would see MSJ once again catch fire on the offensive side of the floor. The Lions were able to push their lead back to double digits, 32-22, with just 4:14 to play before half. The Panthers refused to be tamed as a Bezold layup followed by a senior Reese Sexton (Louisville, Ky.) jumper as time expired pulled Hanover within 34-33 at the half.
 
The second half belonged to the Blue and Red as some great halftime adjustments saw them capture their first lead of the afternoon at the 6:56 mark following a pair of Lawson free throws, 39-37. With the momentum shifting into their favor Hanover claimed their first double-digit lead of the contest, 50-40. But the Lions pulled within 51-48 setting up the dramatic finish.
 
MSJ flipped the script in the final frame capturing the 55-51 advantage when Heath was able to sink a fastbreak layup at the 7:33 mark. Hanover got the lead back with just 3:55 remaining as Bezold flexed her muscles. The Panthers never looked back using a 9-0 run to reclaim the 66-57 lead. Clacny claimed the final point of the contest as HC completed the comeback, 69-59.
 
Hanover returns to action on Friday, Dec. 29 when they take on the University of Mt. Union as part of the Bluffton Classic.