Box Score HANOVER, Ind. – Hanover (14-10 overall, 10-7 HCAC) welcomed Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference rival Franklin to Collier Arena on Saturday afternoon, falling 61-57.
 
In a battle between rivals, Franklin held the upper hand early, clinging to an 8-4 advantage. Sophomore William Herald (Fort Thomas, Ky.) came off the bench for Hanover and made his presence known by draining a three-pointer at the 15-minute mark. The Panthers got their first lead with just under 12 to play as senior Michael Donoho (Rockport, Ind.) sank a floater off the dribble drive, 11-10.
 
Hanover improved on the advantage as freshman Malachi McNair (Evansville, Ind.) dominated the paint. Despite the success, Franklin was able to hang around. The Grizzlies used transition offense to keep the contest a one-possession game, 15-14. The speed of Franklin flipped the contest back in their favor as they secured a 20-15 lead. Herald and sophomore CJ Walls (Louisville, Ky.) halted the surge with a pair of back-to-back blows that tied the contest. The two teams entered the intermission locked at 24-24.
 
Senior Luke Miller (Madison, Ind.) opened the second half with a three-pointer followed by a pair of Donoho free throws. But Franklin responded. Neither team led by more than five points when the Grizzlies looked to change that with a pair of scores, 36-30. With just under 15 minutes to play, they built on that lead. Sophomore Cam Freeman (Indianapolis, Ind.) looked to lead a Hanover comeback netting four straight points.
 
With under 10 to play, the sense of urgency intensified. Freeman cranked up the defensive pressure helping to fuel the Panther offense. Senior Coleman Sater (Ellettsville, Ind.) benefitted from the frantic play scoring an old-fashioned three-point play that cut the deficit to 45-42. Miller tied the game at 7:40 with his second three-pointer of the afternoon before Sater put the Panthers out front. The two teams exchanged scores, but senior Coleman Sater was the difference as he got a key score on one end and a defensive board on the other.
 
Hanover clung to a 54-52 lead with 3:00 to play when Franklin flipped the script. The basket and the bonus pushed them in front for the game's 13^th lead change, 59-54. Walls got a score that led to a massive Panther defensive stop and some offensive life.  However, Franklin was able to sink free throws and secure the win.
 
INSIDE THE STATS
Sater – 14 pts. | 10 reb.
Freeman – 10 pts. | 3 reb.
 
Hanover returns to action on Wednesday, Feb. 19 when they celebrate Senior Day with Transylvania. Tip-off is set for 7:30 PM.