Cooper Matthews scored six points and Zaryen Moore hit a 3-pointer during an opening run that allowed the Grizzlies (3-4, 0-2 HCAC) to take an early 13-6 lead. The visitors stayed within range through the rest of the first half, trailing just 29-27 despite shooting just 9 for 26 (34.6%) from the field.

Hanover scored the first basket of the second half before Franklin scored 13 consecutive points to take a 40-31 lead with 12:55 remaining. Matthews had six more points during the blitz, which was capped by a 3-pointer from Ledger Gelfius. The Grizzlies were still up 46-39 after a Rohan Pearson 3 with 10:26 to go before the Panthers rallied back to pull ahead just inside the nine-minute mark, 51-49. A Jesse Faires putback tied the game but Hanover regained the lead for good at the foul line.

The charity stripe proved pivotal in the game — Franklin hit just 14 of 25 shots from the line (56%), while the Panthers were 26 of 32 (81.3%). Hanover enjoyed a 19-6 scoring advantage on free throws in the second half.

Matthews finished with a game-high 23 points, but Faires (10 points) was the only other Grizzly in double figures. Faires also had four steals and tied Avery Saunders for the team lead with six rebounds apiece.

Franklin returns to action this coming Saturday (Dec. 13) with an afternoon home game against Berea.