Jackets’ season ends, 60-78 at Hanover, Meyer scores 19

HANOVER, Ind.—The Defiance College men’s basketball team was paid-back on Tuesday night, for their upset of nationally-ranked Hanover two weeks ago, with a 60-78 defeat at Collier Arena at the hands of the Panthers.

Freshman Trent Meyer broke-out with a career-high of 19 points, shooting 4-of-6 from three-point land and a perfect 7-for-7 from the line. Curt Croy had an off-shooting night, but still managed 11 points on 4-of-15 shooting, while Matt Voland ended his DC career with 10 points and four rebounds. HC was led by Brian Chrin’s 21 points.

Field goal shooting told the story, as Hanover scored on 59% of their shots, as Defiance’s shooting touch was off, hitting just 37% of their attempts. Also deciding the game was a huge 41-16 rebounding advantage by the home team, making up for 23 Panther turnovers forced by scrappy Defiance defense.

After the slow-scoring first half, the two teams combined for 92 second half points with Hanover scoring 48 to DC’s 44. The Jackets’ ice-cold 14% first half shooting was followed by a 62% clip in the second. Hanover, however, shot 74% in the second stanza, keeping DC at an arm’s length from the lead.

Hanover will host the semi-final and final round of the HCAC Tournament starting Friday versus Bluffton University.

Defiance’s 04-05 season comes to an end with a 10-16 mark overall and a 3-11 regular-season HCAC mark.