HANOVER, Ind. – The Hanover Panthers (19-7 overall) advanced to the semifinal round of the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference Tournament by defeating Berea on Saturday afternoon, 66-53.
 
The Panthers dominated from the opening tip-off, surging ahead 7-0 following a sophomore Sammy Berman (Independence, Ky.) layup. Senior Grace Bezold (Covington, Ky.) was efficient at the free-throw line netting four straight for a 13-5 advantage. Hanover's largest lead of the frame came at the 1:47 mark, 16-7, off a Bezold turn around layup.
 
Berman pushed the difference to double-digits in the second quarter with a 6-0 run that saw Hanover out front 27-15. Despite the early success, Berea recorded seven straight points to tighten the contest. Junior Alexis Wines (Lebanon, Ind.) provided offense for the Blue and Red late into the half propelling them into the intermission with a 41-24 lead.
 
Berea amped up the intensity in the third frame cutting the score to 41-32. Hanover had to lock back in with Berman leading the charge. The sophomore continued to dominate netting a pair of jumpers. The largest Hanover lead came at 1:05, 52-34.
 
The final frame saw Berea outscore Hanover 14-12, but the difference never reached single digits. The Panthers secured the opening round win 45 percent from the floor.
 
INSIDE THE STATS
Bezold – 25 pts. | 9 reb.
Berman – 22 pts. | 4 reb.
Wines – 11 pts.
 
Hanover returns to action on Friday, Feb. 28 when they take on Mount St. Joseph in the semifinals of the HCAC Tournament.