BLUFFTON, Ohio – Late game struggles doom costly for Hanover (6-5 overall) as they dropped an overtime thriller to non-conference opponent Muskingum. The Panthers surrendered the contest 77-74.
 
Hanover landed two in double figures paced by a game-high 25 points by junior Grace Bezold (Covington, Ky.). Senior Taylor Heath (Fairland, Ind.) stuffed the stat sheet with 20 points and five assists.
 
The Panthers were firing on all cylinders in the opening frame using a 13-0 run over a four minute span to capture the commanding 22-6 advantage. Leading the charge was Taylor Heath netting the final five points of the rally.
 
The momentum carried into the second quarter with freshman Sammy Berman (Independence, Ky.) hitting a jumper in the lane to extend the difference to 24-9. However, Muskingum slowly chipped at the deficit pulling within 32-28 at the 3:21 mark when Bezold halted the surge. Hanover was able to weather the storm and cling to the 36-32 halftime lead.
 
However, the third quarter saw Muskingum capture their first lead of the contest using an 8-0 run to flip the script in their favor, 42-41. They entered the final quarter with the slim 52-50 advantage.
 
Hanover found themselves playing from behind for much of the fourth quarter as Muskingum pushed the lead to 61-55 midway through the frame. Hanover remained poise and grinded out the final four minutes as Bezold paced the surge. The junior hit a three-pointer with 1:26 to play before netting a free throw with just 25 seconds left to force overtime.
 
Despite forcing overtime, the Panthers were unable to reclaim the momentum. Trailing the Muskies 72-70, junior Katherine Benter (Brownstown, Ind.) netted a key jumper that saw the Blue and Red tie the contest before junior Kady Clancy (Scottsburg, Ind.) pushed HC in front 74-72. Muskingum got the final saw sinking a three-pointer with just over a minute left that ultimately propelled them to victory.
 
Hanover returns to action on Wednesday, Jan. 3 when they welcome Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference foe Anderson. Game time is slated for 6:00 PM.