By GREG MENGELT
The Panthers (18-3, 14-2) have a 4-game lead over Anderson atop the HCAC standings with two regular-season games left to play. Hanover has won three straight and 11 of its last 12 games.
The Panthers had a balanced offensive attack Saturday. Junior forwards Ty Houston (Union, Ky./Cooper) and Jack Wininger (Elnore/North Daviess) both had double-doubles. Houston had game highs of 20 points and 14 rebounds while Wininger finished with 13 points and 10 rebounds off the Panther bench.
Former New Albany standout Isaac Hibbard had another strong all-around game with 15 points, six rebounds and three assists. The senior was 6 for 12 from the field. Former Christian Academy star Noah Williams (Jeffersonville) scored three points and had a rebound and an assist in 20 minutes.
Manchester (8-14, 7-8), which has lost three games in a row, had shot 39 percent (22 of 56) and had just five assists in the loss. Sophomore wing Brandon Christlieb (Ashley/Prairie Hts.) and freshman guard Ty Lynas (Crawfordsville) combined for 31 points.
The Panthers host Transylvania (Ky.) on Senior Day Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. The Pioneers (13-8, 8-6) have won five of their last six games.
