HANOVER, Ind. – The Franklin women's basketball team began a three-game homestand on Wednesday (Feb. 8) night, taking on the Hanover Panthers in from of the Spurlock Center crowd.
 
The Grizzlies (8-14, 7-9 HCAC) and Panthers (14-6, 11-2 HCAC) turned in a battle for four quarters, but the final period saw Hanover use free throws to pull away for a 65-54 win.
 
How it Happened
The opening period saw both defensive come out aggressive and looking to cause mistakes. Hanover got the better of the battle in the first quarter, forcing seven Franklin turnovers and taking a 14-11 lead into the second. The Grizzlies had their best offensive quarter of the night in the second, going 8-for-12 from the field in the period to take a 31-28 lead into the half.
 
The third quarter saw neither team lead by more than four points with the Grizzlies heading into the final period up 47-45 thanks to a bucket from Jordan Coon in the final seconds. The fourth quarter saw both teams struggle shooting the ball, with each team knocking down just two field goals. But the damage was done at the free throw line, where Hanover went 16-for-20 over the final 10 minutes to pull away.
 
Inside the Box Score
-Maddie Barnes led the Grizzlies with 13 points, followed by 11 from Taylor Cooney.
-Barnes also topped the Grizzlies with six rebounds.
-Camiell Perry topped the team with four assists.
-Georgia Hanauer led Franklin with three steals.
-Franklin held a 30-26 advantage on points in the paint.
 
Up Next
The Grizzlies take on the Bluffton Beavers on Saturday (Feb. 11) afternoon at 2:00 p.m. with Senior Day festivities set for before the opening tip.