HANOVER, Ind. – The Panthers (11-8 overall, 7-5 HCAC) lacked offense in the second half, surrendering a competitive Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference battle with MSJ, 75-65.
 
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
Leading the way for the Blue and Red was sophomore Jack Miller with a team-high 16 points and seven rebounds.
 
Sophomore Malachi McNair turned in a double-double scoring 15 points and pulling down 10 rebounds. Junior Cam Freeman added 11 points.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
Hanover had a slim 39-33 halftime lead as Miller jumped into the scoring column early. The two teams exchanged points for much of the first half as MSJ led 29-27 with just over three to play before three-pointers from Miller and senior Davis Olson flipped the advantage. McNair sank a tip back layup as time expired for the lead.
 
The second half, however, saw the Lions slowly pull away using patience in their half-court offense and success from long range to claim a 60-55 difference. The lead reached double-digits with just under four remaining 71-61. Hanover finished the contest shooting 41 percent from the floor and just 54 percent from the free throw line.
 
Hanover returns to action on Saturday when they celebrate Alumni Day welcoming Earlham to Collier Arena.