Buffalo State returned to action for the first time in 25 days and dropped an 80-62 decision to Hanover (IN) in the opening round of the Wittenberg Holiday Classic today in Springfield, Ohio.

Hanover led by as many as 12 points early, but the Bengals rallied with a 13-2 run to close the opening half and go into the intermission trailing just 37-36. The Panthers proved too strong in the final 20 minutes, however, outscoring Buffalo State, 43-26, on their way to the 18-point victory.

Tawan Slaughter (Buffalo/Christian Central) led the Bengals with 20 points. Darnika Moseley (Liverpool/Liverpool) and Toya Parks (Brooklyn/MLK) each added nine points, and Amanda Benoit (Deerfield/Whitesboro) had seven points and 12 rebounds.

Buffalo State fell to 2-5. The Bengals will face the loser of Wittenberg and Centre (KY) in tomorrow's consolation game at 1 p.m.