Box Score LEXINGTON, Ky. –  Hanover (19-8 overall) surrendered their Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference Tournament Semifinal contest to Mount St. Joseph on Friday evening in a nail bitter matchup, bowing out the tournament by a score of 76-70.
 
The Lions roared from the opening tip using the three-point line to claim a 14-6 advantage. Hanover looked to slow the momentum with junior Kaitlyn Lorenzi (Brentwood, Tenn.) turning in strong minutes off the bench. Senior Grace Bezold (Covington, Ky.) completed the old-school three-point play that cut the difference to 16-12. Junior Alexis Wines (Lebanon, Ind.) helped close the gap as HC trailed just 19-15 through one.
 
The Panthers knotted the contest 23-23 at the 7:33 mark following a scoop and score by Bezold. Hanover just wasn't able to get over the hump as MSJ remained in front for much of the frame. They pushed the difference to double-digits at 2:24 with their seventh three-pointer of the game. Bezold led Hanover in the first half with 10 points as they entered the intermission trailing 41-33.
 
Wines looked to ignite the Panther offense in the second half as the point guard used her speed to draw a foul and get to the line. She tallied seven straight points before senior Kady Clancy (Scottsburg, Ind.) sank a hesitation layup to tie the game 44-44. Senior Katherine Benter (Brownstown, Ind.) drilled a corner pocket three-pointer, but MSJ remained red-hot from deep. They entered the final quarter leading 57-49.
 
Hanover applied the full-court press in the final frame forcing MSJ to play into their hands. Clancy benefitted from the play as she hit a three-pointer before picking up a steal and score at 4:16 pulling the Panthers within 65-62. Wines kept it a one-possession game with 1:20 on the clock as the junior drained a clutch step-back three-pointer. Despite the second half success, Hanover ultimately surrendered the semifinal contest 76-70.
 
INSIDE THE STATS
Wines – 20 pts. | 4 ast. | 3 reb.
Bezold – 17 pts. | 10 reb.
Clancy – 11 pts. | 1 ast.