Wooster, OH - The Hanover College Panthers men's basketball team played their second of back-to-back games in the Wooster Tournament to close out the calendar year - HC took on the Geneva College (PA) Golden Tornadoes. Hanover entered the contest at 6-4 overall and 3-1 in the HCAC.

In the first half of action, HC worked up to a 41 to 34 point lead behind sophomore center Malach McNair who had 15 first half points. HC's largest lead of the half was 14 after jumping ahead 14-0 to start the game. As a team the Panthers shot about 49% from the field, 33% from three, and perfect from the free throw line making all three attempts.

Defensively the Panthers allowed the Golden Tornadoes to shoot a surprising 50% from behind the arc, but held them to just 34% overall shooting percentage en route to maintaining their lead with no first half lead changes.

The second half saw nearly identical splits across the board from both teams - Hanover shot 52% from the field, 36% from three, and perfect form the line again (four for four). GC, while also improving their three point percentage and shooting 53% in the second half, trended in the opposite direction [from their first half splits] in both overall shooting (36%) and free throw percentage (66%).

Inside the Stats
Sophomore center Malachi McNair lead the Panthers with 27 points and 23 rebounds in 38 minutes, a new career high in both categories. McNair also added a block, a steal, and two assists to his totals. The Sophomore center now has eight triple doubles on the season and two with 20+ rebounds.

Junior Guard Cam Freeman also played 38 minutes and put up eight points, nine assists, and six boards while initiating the offense.

Sophomore forward Jack Miller had 13 points and junior guard William Herald tagged on 12 points shooting four of seven from behind the arc.

Junior guard CJ Walls 10 points, seven rebounds, and three assists, and sophomore guard Jeremiah Alexander also added 10 points, along with two rebounds and two assists.

Next up, Hanover prepares to take on HCAC opponent Bluffton University after the New Year on January 3rd (Saturday). Tip-off is scheduled for 4:00PM EST in Collier Arena.