GRANVILLE, Ohio - January 18, 2025 – Hiram College fought a difficult fight but fell short in a highly competitive road game against Denison, 86-77, in NCAC action at Livingston Gymnasium on Saturday afternoon.

The Terriers got their most points from any duo this season in the game, with Brooke Hickman (26) and Isabella Caceres (23) combining for 49 points against a team that is now 6-2 at home this season. Caceres' 23 points marked a new career-high, while Jo Janda continued her consistency off the bench with 9 points.

The first quarter was marked by Denison's early three-point barrage, with Abby Cooch and Violet Mitchell helping the Big Red jump to a 19-17 lead. Hickman and Caceres kept the Terriers close with scoring in the paint, but the home team gained the early lead.

The second quarter saw Hiram briefly take the lead behind Janda's sharp-shooting, hitting 3-of-3 from beyond the arc during that span. Despite Hiram's efforts, Denison reclaimed a one-point lead at halftime, 40-39, with Abigail Westmeyer adding to her eventual 20-point performance.

The third quarter was a continuation of the high-energy contest, with both teams exchanging baskets. Caceres went 3-for-3 from downtown – all of which came in the second half – to keep Hiram within striking distance, but the Big Red led 61-57 entering the fourth quarter.

Denison's decisive surge came in the final period, where it outscored Hiram, 25-20. Abby Cooch was relentless, finishing with 26 points and converting 12-of-13 free throws. Denison made 15 free throws in the fourth quarter to seal the win.

Hiram finished 8-9 from 3-point range in the game, which was by far its best mark of the 2024-25 campaign.

The Terriers' record now stands at 9-7 overall and 2-3 in the NCAC as they continue their conference campaign into next week back at home against Oberlin College on Wednesday at 6 p.m.