By GREG MENGELT

CRAWFORDSVILLE — Isaac Hibbard had 16 points, five rebounds and five assists to help Hanover start its 2021-22 season with an 83-81 win at Wabash.

Hibbard went 5-for-11 from the floor and made six of his 10 free throw attempts in the victory. The former New Albany standout also contributed five rebounds, five assists and three steals. Christian Academy graduate Noah Williams led the Panthers’ bench unit with 11 points, three rebounds and an assist. Williams was 4-for-5 from the floor and made his only 3-point attempt.

Max Greenamoyer added 15 points for Hanover, which led by as many as 13 — at 53-40 — on a Hibbard layup with 12:16 remaining. The Giants never seriously threatened the lead and needed a 3-pointer at the buzzer to get within 2.

Hanover faces Indiana State on Sunday at 1 p.m. in Terre Haute.

Wabash’s Jack Davidson led all scorers with 33 points.