TERRE HAUTE, IN — Transylvania picked up a key HCAC road victory on Saturday afternoon, using a strong second-half surge and an efficient defensive effort to defeat Rose-Hulman 61–48 inside Hulbert Arena.
The Pioneers opened the afternoon with a steady 5–0 start behind a three from Jaxon Smith and a transition layup from Ian Reesor. Rose-Hulman responded with a 6–0 run to take the lead, but Transylvania answered with a three from Drew Marshall and an inside finish from Hunter Barr. After several early lead changes, the Pioneers closed the half with momentum as Barr scored inside and Cayden Lancaster drilled a deep three in the final 12 seconds, pulling Transylvania within 25–22 at the break.
The second half opened with a strong push from the Pioneers. Reesor scored twice to cut the deficit to one, and after a series of traded baskets, Luke Idlett buried a three from the right wing to put Transylvania back in front 29–28. Reesor followed with a three moments later to extend the lead to 34–31. Barr added another layup, Marshall hit a jumper from the elbow, and the Pioneers continued to hold the edge as they carried a 37–35 lead deeper into the half.
Transylvania seized full control down the stretch. Lancaster connected on a three from the top of the arc to make it 42–39, and after Rose-Hulman pulled within one possession, the Pioneers responded with inside scoring from Barr and a drive-and-score by Sam Stone. At the 9:48 mark, Barr hammered home a dunk to push the margin to 51–46, and from there Transylvania closed out the game with poise. Lancaster and Barr added late baskets, and Marshall and Dakota Capps combined for key free throws as the Pioneers pulled away for the 13-point victory.
Barr led the Pioneers with 16 points, 14 rebounds, and three blocks for his sixth double-double of the season. Reesor added 14 points and two rebounds, while Marshall posted nine points, 12 boards, and five assists. Lancaster scored nine points off the bench, Smith added six, and Capps contributed four rebounds and two assists. The Pioneers outrebounded Rose-Hulman 46–41 and held the Engineers to 3-for-24 shooting from three-point range.
Transylvania improves to 12–8 overall and 9–4 in HCAC play and continues conference action on Wednesday against Berea College. Tip-off is set for 7:30 PM at the Clive M. Beck Center.
Transylvania University is a proud member of the NCAA Division III and the HCAC. To keep up to date with all of the Transylvania Athletics, check out our website at transysports.com and follow @TransySports on Instagram.
