Franklin, Ind. - The Franklin College women's basketball team rallied from a nine-point fourth-quarter deficit to earn a 78-73 overtime victory over Hanover College on Wednesday in Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) action from the Spurlock Center.

Trailing 53-44 with 8:24 left, the Grizzlies (11-5, 7-2 HCAC) scored seven straight points to cut the deficit to two points, 53-51, midway through the fourth quarter. Hanover took a 61-55 lead after a three-point field goal by Maci Maupin with 2:58 left.

Then, the Grizzlies mounted another rally. Junior Lauren DeSutter (Pittsboro, Ind./Tri-West) connected on two free throws to square the contest at 63-63 with 1:30 remaining. DeSutter scored a game-high 25 points in the game.

Later, sophomore Riley Achenbach (Shelbyville, Ind./Shelbyville) tied the game at 65-65 with 48 seconds left. After Hanover missed a shot on its next possession, DeSutter made a jumper to give Franklin a 67-65 lead. The visitors squared the game on a layup by Morgan Bivins with 10 seconds left. DeSutter rimmed out a three-point field goal attempt at the end of regulation.

In overtime, Franklin scored the first six points to take a 73-67 lead. Hanover answered with four consecutive points to get within 73-71 at the 1:01 mark. The Grizzlies made three of their four free throw attempts down the stretch to secure the victory.

Sophomore Kelsey Smith (Lexington, Ind./Scottsburg) scored 13 points, grabbed five rebounds, and had six assists in the win. Junior Emily Alfrey (Fairland, Ind./Triton Central) added 12 points. Senior Katie Brewer (Indianapolis, Ind./Roncalli) scored 10 points and had nine rebounds.

Franklin returns to action on Saturday, January 23, at 4 p.m. when it travels to HCAC leader Bluffton University. Live statistics of the game will be available. Follow the Grizzlies on Twitter (@FCAthletics). Like the Grizzlies on Facebook (www.facebook.com/FranklinCollegeAthletics), and on Instagram (@fcgrizzlies).