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What started as a Knoxville blowout party last night turned into a thriller that saw the Panthers hang on for a 49-to-46 season-opening girls basketball win over A-D-M last night. Knoxville was hosting night one of the Panther Tip-Off Classic and raced out to a 21/seven first quarter lead and maintained that 14 point cushion at the half. A-D-M stormed back in the fourth quarter after being down 13 points but Panther hustle plays down the stretch and a missed three at the buzzer by the Tigers sealed the win. Coach Jim Utimarkt said hustle plays won the game. Sam Abens led all scorers with 17 points and younger sister Alex had ten. Knoxville comes back to play Centerville in the nightcap this afternoon at 4:45 preceding that game is Grinnell and A-D-M at 3:00.