February 28, 2011

Hanover Set to Face U. of Chicago in NCAA Tournament Play

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Hanover College claimed the HCAC automatic qualifier and will play the University of Chicago on Friday, March 4 in the first round of the 2011 NCAA Division III Tournament. The Panthers captured the HCAC’s bid to the dance with an 82-71 win over Transylvania in the championship game.

Hanover, 25-1, will travel to Grand Rapids, Michigan on the campus of Calvin College to face Chicago (22-3). The Maroons capped off a perfect 14-0 mark in University Athletic Association play with a 61-51 win over Washington-St. Louis Saturday. As the UAA regular season champion, Chicago earned the conference’s automatic bid.

Chicago enters the game riding a school-record 18 game winning streak and ranked No. 8 in the latest D3hoops.com poll, while the Panthers enter NCAA postseason play on a 13-game winning streak.

The Panthers are making their first appearance in the NCAA Tournament since 1997 and second overall appearance in school history. Chicago is heading to the tournament for the fourth time in school history and this will be their third appearance since 2008. Chicago reached the sweet sixteen in 2008 and was eliminated in first round play a year ago.

The winner of the Hanover vs. Chicago game will play the winner of the Calvin (24-4) vs. La Roche (23-4) matchup Saturday, March 5 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Hanover was the only HCAC team selected to the women's tournament this year.