HANOVER, Ind. – Despite a double-figure advantage in the first quarter, the Centre women's basketball fell by a 69-65 score Sunday inside Collier Arena against Hanover.
 
The Colonels drop to 2-3 overall while the Panthers improve to 3-1 with the narrow victory.
 
HIGHLIGHTS
- The Colonels orchestrated an efficient opening quarter on both ends of the floor, claiming a 12-2 lead nearly six minutes into the game.
- Payton Herold capped the quarter with a late 3-pointer, giving her 14 for the period and helping Centre carry a 24-15 advantage into the second. The Colonels shot an even 50% from the floor during the first quarter.
- Turnovers cost the Colonels throughout much of the next quarter, allowing the Panthers to climb all the way back. Centre committed 10 turnovers and took nine fewer shots than Hanover, but clung to a 35-34 lead at the break after Presley Chirico converted a layup in the closing seconds.
- After swapping lopsided first and second quarters, the two sides played to a relatively even third period. Hanover came away with a 19-15 edge to lead 53-50 by the start of the fourth quarter.
- Centre scored the first five points to begin the final stanza, sparking a closely contested homestretch.
- Natalie Duggins put the Colonels ahead 57-56 near the six-minute mark after a pair of free throws, but the Panthers answered with an 11-4 run to reclaim a lead they wouldn't relinquish.
 
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- Herold scored 20 points for the second time this season, finishing 8 of 11 overall while hitting a pair of 3-pointers. She added six rebounds and three assists.
- Duggins went 6-for-8 from the field to record a career-high 19 points. She also led Centre with 10 boards, marking her second double-double of the season.
- Bailey Rucker was one off of her personal best, scoring 14 points to go with three assists.
- Centre shot 43% overall compared to Hanover's 33%, but took 16 fewer shots after committing 25 turnovers and allowing 17 offensive rebounds. The Panthers accumulated 23 points off turnovers and 16 second chance points.
 
UP NEXT
Centre continues its extended road swing and opens Southern Athletic Association play next Saturday, Dec. 4, traveling to take on Sewanee at 2 p.m. ET.