By: Garrett Ramsey

FRANKLIN, Ind. – The Franklin College women's basketball team was back in action at the Spurlock Center Wednesday night (Jan. 12) facing off against the Hanover Panthers in their first game back after seven straight away from home.

The two long-time rival traded punches all night long and the game was decided in the final minutes. Senior Destinee Cross ended the game with a career-high 27 points, but the Grizzlies (4-9, 2-4 HCAC) fell to the Panthers (6-5, 3-3 HCAC) by a 65-59 count.

How it Happened
Through the first four minutes of action, the Grizzlies were getting it done on both ends of the floor starting the contest with an 11-1 run in the first four minutes. The Panthers would shake off their slow start fight back and led 16-15 going into the second quarter. Defense was the story for the both teams in the second quarter, with Franklin holding the Panthers to 14% shooting in the period but the hosts trailed 28-24 at the end of the half.

It was an evenly matched third quarter as Franklin battled for the lead with a made layup by Jessica Nix that gave the Griz their first lead since the first quarter at 35-34 with four minutes left in the frame. But the Panthers would follow with a 7-2 run, closing out the quarter with a 41-37 lead.

The Grizzlies stayed within striking distance until six quick Hanover points put the Panthers up by double digits for the first time in the game with 5:31 to play. Franklin responded with an 11-2 run, capped by a Cross three, to cut the deficit to 55-54 with 2:41 to play. However, the Grizzlies couldn't get the go-ahead basket in the game's final minute.

Inside the Box Score
-Cross went 11-for-16 from the field, setting a new career-high in field goals made to go along with a career-best point total.
-Fellow senior Jessica Nix recorded her third career double-double, adding 11 points and leading all players with 13 rebounds.
-The Grizzlies shot 40% (22-for-55) from the floor and did a stellar job on the defensive end, holding Hanover to 29.9% (23-for-77) from the field.
-Turnovers played a major role in the final score, with Hanover getting 37 points off Franklin turnovers.

Up Next
The Grizzlies continue a three-game homestand on Saturday (Jan. 15) afternoon, hosting the Bluffton Beavers. Tip-off from the Spurlock Center is set for 2:00 p.m.