HANOVER, Ind.-- The Rose-Hulman men's basketball team traveled to face Hanover College in the opening round of the 2024 HCAC Tournament on Sunday. The team suffered a close loss to the Panthers with a final score of 62-58. 

Miles McGowen was the standout for the Engineers recording a double-double with 18 points and 12 rebounds. McGowen totaled two offensive rebounds in the contest which ties him for first in the Rose-Hulman record book for career offensive rebounds with 192. 

Daniel Savovic also reached double figures in scoring with 12 points. Bradley Harden was able to make an impact in his final game with the Fightin' Engineers with eight points and eight rebounds. 

Hanover started the game off strong jumping to a 18-7 lead in the first 10 minutes. Rose was able to put together a 13-4 run at the end of the half to cut the deficit to one with the Panthers ahead 28-27 at the halftime break.

The game remained close for a majority of the second half. The game was tied 52-52 with 6:14 remaining. The Panthers gained the edge with strong play from their fifth-year guard Ty Houston down the stretch. 

Hanover was able to maintain the lead at the free throw line to claim the win and advance to the next round of the tournament. The Panthers travel to face Transylvania on Friday, February 23 at 7 PM. 

The Fightin' Engineers end the season with an overall record of 12-14. This season marks the second straight HCAC Tournament appearance under Head Coach Nick Sales.