Box Score HANOVER, Ind. (Collier Arena) – The Panthers (14-5 overall, 8-4 HCAC) struggled offensively on Wednesday evening shooting just 32 percent from the floor as the Lions of MSJ were able to hold on for the 63-56 victory.
 
A contest that saw two teams square off for the second time in less than two weeks quickly turned into a battle. The visitors on the scoreboard, MSJ were able to use some fast play to capture an 11-6 difference. Senior Grace Bezold (Covington, Ky.) found success at the free throw line pulling the Panthers back within a score. Despite the shooting woes by Hanover, which saw them shoot just 28 percent from the floor, they entered the second frame trailing just 19-11.
 
The senior duo of Bezold and Katherine Benter (Brownstown, Ind.) looked like they were able to spark the offense in the second period as they got to the rim for a series of scores that pulled Hanover within 21-16. Bezold continued to grind on offense as the senior finished with 11 first-half points cutting the deficit to 31-25.
 
The Lions capture a double-digit advantage minutes into the second half capitalizing on the Panther's misfortunes. Hanover looked to push the tempo in hopes of using their transition offense, but MSJ remained red hot shooting, 41-31. The pace of play greatly increased by both programs as Bezold used the speed to her advantage scoring an old-fashioned three-point play.
 
Hanover entered the fourth quarter with a hill to climb. They slowly chipped at the 50-40 deficit running their offense through Bezold. Junior Alexis Wines (Lebanon, Ind.) used her speed to get to the rim at the 8:44 mark before sinking a reverse layup and pulling the Panthers within 50-46. Defense was the key down the stretch for the Blue and Red as they forced six turnovers in the opening five minutes of the frame. MSJ watched their lead fade because of it.
Junior Kaitlyn Lorenzi (Brentwood, Tenn.) found junior Lily Ernstes (North Vernon, Ind.) under the basket at 2:22 to cut the difference to 54-50. But the shooting woes ensued as MSJ was able to hold on for the 63-56 victory.
 
INSIDE THE STATS
Bezold – 20 pts. | 9 reb.
Wines - 12 pts. | 3 ast.
Benter – 7 pts. | 5 reb.
Team – 32 FG %

Hanover returns to action on Saturday, February 1 when they celebrate Senior Day with Bluffton. Tip-off is slated for 3:00 PM.