Our Pioneers played their last game of 2022 tonight facing off against conference opponent, the Franklin College Grizzlies. Transy comes into this game after losing their last two, and again tonight, falling just short after some incredibly tough and high motor basketball losing 70-74.
In the first half our Pioneers battled hard with an outstanding night for our big men. Junior, Simon Smith started the scoring for the Pioneers with a 3 point shot which he has developed nicely this year. Smith combined with the force of Sophomore Hunter Penn out rebounded the Grizzlies collecting 14 offensive rebounds just in the first half. Transy and the Grizzlies both had roughly the same amount of time with the lead in this half both holding the lead for around 8 minutes while also leading on points off turnovers.
The second half was just as exciting where we got to see a lot of hustle out of our Pios who continued to lead with points in the paint which has been a trend all season. The glaring problem thus far has been the 3 point shot, either defending it or converting it on the other end is what has been a definer in past games. Cutting the game within a possession with a minute to go we had an opportunity to tie it but missed the 3. Head coach Brian Lane had this to say after the game:
"We felt like we had a big advantage inside so we went to Penn and Simon a lot. We have to get Hunter more touches inside because he is shooting such a high percentage (8-12 tonight). Simon and Hunter banged all night inside but couldn't capitalize on the one free throw between them. We really crashed the offensive boards when we struggled from behind the three point line. It is hard to win road games when you shoot 15% from the three. Franklin on the other hand did a great job of hitting threes even though we forced 22 turnovers.
With Penn earning yet another double double it comes down to getting the ball in the basket and then converting opportunities at the line. With a lack of calls going our way with our most physical players we can look to our next game where we hope to take advantage from the line. Our Pioneers don't play again until next year where they face off against Earlham College Wednesday January 4th at the Clive M Beck Center.
For more information on Transylvania men's basketball, follow @TransyHoops on Twitter.
