North Manchester, Ind. - Manchester Women's Basketball dropped an 92-81 HCAC decision to Anderson on Wednesday night at Stauffer-Wolfe Arena, despite a strong inside performance and a big third-quarter push.

The Spartans were trying to climb back after a slow start, as Anderson jumped out to a 26-14 lead after the opening quarter behind hot perimeter shooting and second-chance opportunities. Manchester responded with its best stretch before halftime, knocking down four threes in the second quarter and getting the offense humming in transition to cut the deficit to 44-38 at the break.

Manchester stayed within striking distance coming out of halftime, trading buckets in a high-scoring third quarter. Hannah Holmes powered the Spartans with an efficient 22 points on 8-of-11 shooting while adding eight rebounds and a block, and Kinsey Atkins provided a major lift with 17 points, including three triples and 6-for-6 free-throw shooting. Kendal Rider helped keep Manchester organized offensively, dishing out six assists as the Spartans continued to chip away.

But Anderson answered every run down the stretch. Anderson's ability to get to the line and convert late helped close the door. Manchester finished with 24 points in the paint and got 35 points from its bench, but Anderson's 45-32 rebounding edge and 32 free throw attempts proved to be the difference.

Abi Rosenkrans added 10 points and eight rebounds for Manchester, while Hailee Kline hit three threes and finished with seven points. The Spartans shot 8-of-32 from deep and went 21-of-25 at the free throw line, keeping the game within reach, but couldn't overcome Anderson's early surge and late control of the glass.