Women's Game:
Manchester Women's Basketball defended its home floor Saturday afternoon, holding off Berea for a 66-61 HCAC win at Stauffer-Wolfe Arena.
The Spartans set the tone early with activity on both ends, forcing turnovers and turning them into points. Manchester led 20-14 after one quarter, fueled by hot early shooting from deep and a fast-break attack that helped build momentum. Berea responded in the second, limiting Manchester to 10 points in the period and nudging in front 31-30 at halftime.
Manchester's response after the break was the difference. The Spartans ramped up their pressure defense, generating steals and transition chances while steadily reclaiming control in the third. Manchester outscored Berea 18-16 in the quarter and carried a 48-47 edge into the final 10 minutes. From there, Manchester made the winning plays late—getting to the foul line and converting enough free throws to close it out.
Offensively, Abigail Rosenkrans led the way with 21 points and nine rebounds, knocking down three triples and consistently attacking the paint. Maddi Smith was ultra-efficient (11 points on 5-of-7 shooting), while Hannah Holmes added nine points and six boards. Kendal Rider made her impact in the hustle categories with 11 rebounds and four steals, and Kinsey Atkins directed the offense with four assists while helping Manchester control key moments down the stretch.
As a team, Manchester balanced the glass and the pressure: the Spartans finished with 45 rebounds and 11 steals, and they generated 21 points off turnovers. The free-throw line also played a major role—Manchester attempted 33 foul shots and made 20, providing the cushion needed in a tight finish.
Men's Game:
Manchester Men's Basketball picked up an important HCAC home win Saturday, outlasting Berea 77-70 at Stauffer-Wolfe Arena in North Manchester.
The Spartans set the tone early with an efficient first half, taking a 37-29 lead at the break behind strong interior play (20 first-half points in the paint) and a balanced attack. Manchester hit five threes in the opening 20 minutes and weathered Berea's hot start from deep (7 first-half threes) to stay in control.
Berea made it a game in the second half by pounding the paint (28 second-half paint points) and trimming the margin to two late, but Manchester answered with timely shot-making and clutch free throws down the stretch. The Spartans went 13-of-16 at the line and closed the final minute by knocking down key foul shots to seal it.
Manchester had four players in double figures, led by Clay McCorkle with 18 points, including a pair of second-half threes. Ladarius Wallace added 16 points, 10 rebounds and three triples, while Ty Lynas chipped in 16 points and 10 boards. Max Robertson rounded out the scoring punch with 15 points on three threes and a 4-for-5 effort at the stripe. Manchester finished 10-of-26 from three and won the rebounding battle 32-27 while committing just eight turnovers.
