NORTH MANCHESTER, Ind. – The Manchester University men's basketball team used a stout defensive performance on Saturday afternoon to upset the visiting Hanover College Panthers by a final score of 61-51.

Manchester's win over Hanover on Saturday was its first over the Panthers since January 17, 2015.

The Spartans' defense shined bright for the full 40 minutes of action as the Panthers were limited to just 32.8 percent (19-58) shooting from the floor. MU also held the Panthers to just 3-21 (14.3 percent) shooting from beyond the 3-point arc. The Spartans' scrappy play also resulted in 32 points off 22 Hanover turnovers.

After Hanover started the game with a 3-pointer the Spartans immediately rattled off seven straight points.

With 4:47 remaining in the opening half, Hanover knocked in a jump shot that drew the visiting Panthers to within four, 22-18. Manchester ended the half on a 9-3 run that was capped by a buzzer-beating 30-footer from Jalen Owens (Terre Haute, Ind./Terre Haute North) that sent Stauffer-Wolfe Arena into a frenzy.

Manchester led 31-21 at the break.

In the second half, Manchester's defense once again stood tall as Hanover struggled to get clean looks at the basket.

Manchester made good use of the free throw line in the second half. After not attempting a free throw in the opening period, the Spartans went 12-17 at the free throw line, good enough for a 71 percent clip.

Three Spartans finished with 11 points apiece to lead the Black & Gold offense. Jalen Owens scored 11 points while adding five rebounds and four steals. Abdul Ogunnaike (Richton Park, Ill./Thornwood) scored nine of 11 points in the second half, including a breakaway dunk that energized the crowd in Stauffer-Wolfe Arena. Ogunnaike added six boards and two steals.  Matthew Westman (Michigan City, Ind./Michigan City) scored all 11 of his points in the final 20 minutes. Westman made a pair of critical threes and knocked down five free throws.

Hanover College was paced by Ty Houston's 14 points.

The Spartans earned their first win over Hanover College in over five years on Wednesday. Manchester (7-12, 5-7 HCAC) will host Defiance College in Stauffer-Wolfe Arena on Wednesday February 5 at 7:30 p.m.

Hanover had its three-game winning streak snapped, falling for just the second time their last eight games. The Panthers (14-5, 8-4 HCAC) will travel to HCAC-leading Franklin on Wednesday February 5.