RICHMOND, Ind. – The Panther (4-3 overall, 1-0 HCAC) offense erupted in its Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference opener at Earlham, dominating the Quakers 89-59.
 
Four Panthers finished in double figures paced by freshman CJ Walls (Louisville, Ky.) with a career-high 15 points. Teammate, senior Matt Munoz (Indianapolis, Ind.) added 12 points while the duo of freshman William Herald (Fort Thomas, Ky.) and sophomore Avery Saunders (Ladoga, Ind.) netted 11 points apiece.
 
Hanover opened the HCAC contest red hot while using a 6-0 run that was led by the combination of junior Coleman Sater (Ellettsville, Ind.) and Saunders to claim the 6-3 advantage. The streak continued with Hanover pushing the lead to double-digits at the 12:39 mark following a Walls jumper.
 
The Panthers were all gas with Munoz stepping out and connecting from three-point to extend the HC difference to 32-15. They would capture the commanding 43-20 lead at the 2:31 point following an impressive performance by Saunders. Hanover entered the intermission leading 48-26 as Munoz hit a turnaround jumper at the buzzer.
 
 The Hanover offense remained on fire in the second half, extending the lead to 60-34 following a 10-0 run capped by a pair of senior Ty Houston (Union, Ky.) free throws. With the contest well in hand, Herald went to work sinking a three-pointer followed by a Walls deep threat that saw HC lead by as many as 79-45.
 
Hanover finished the contest shooting 50.7 percent from the floor including a 9-of-21 mark from deep to secure the HCAC victory.  
 
The Panthers return to the hardwood on Saturday, Dec. 9 when they welcome Defiance to Collier Arena. Tip-off is set for noon.