Lexington, Ky. - The Transylvania men's basketball team's resiliency was on full display as they defeated the Anderson Ravens 66-65 in a nail-biter at the Clive M. Beck Center. The win advances the Pioneers to the HCAC semi-final game against #1 seeded Hanover in Hanover, Indiana on Friday.
Transy started strong as both teams fought for momentum in the HCAC Quarterfinal. Early on it was Hunter Penn leading the way, as he scored 8 of the first 10 Transylvania points. The Pioneers and Ravens exchanged runs, with Matthew Teague making several key shots. In the closing minute of the first half, the Pioneers were sent to the line on three straight possessions. Teague and Aiden Pashley's free throws gave Transylvania a 5 point lead at the half.
The second half was a back and forth slugfest, as both teams felt the urgency with their seasons on the line. Senior Zach Larimore rose to the occasion and led the way for the Pioneers, with 14 points in the half alone. After several clutch layups from Larimore, the Ravens went on a sudden run down the stretch, and the Pioneers found themselves down by 6 with just over a minute left in the contest.
Colby Napier drained a clutch three pointer to narrow the deficit to just one point, and six seconds later a massive block by Penn brought the roof off of the Beck Center. Still up by one, the Ravens missed two free throws and Penn grabbed the rebound to give the Pioneers a chance at the lead with just 29 seconds left.
 In the high pressure situation, it was Larimore who nailed a midrange jumper with 11 seconds remaining to put Transylvania ahead by one. In the closing seconds, after chaos under the rim as the Pioneers desperately tried to seal the victory, Anderson was sent to the free throw line. With three seconds left, down one point, and two shots at the line, the Ravens were unable to convert either attempt. The Pioneers won by a final score of 66-65.
The win catapults the Pioneers into the Semifinals of the HCAC Tournament, to be held later in the week against Hanover. Transylvania and Hanover have split on the season, with the last win credited to Transy on a February 15 win of 86-81 at Hanover. More information on Friday's game and the HCAC Championship can be found on the Championship Webpage.
The final four of the HCAC Tournament is below. The winner of the HCAC Tournament receives an automatic bid to the NCAA Division III Tournament.
HCAC SEMIFINALS - FRIDAY FEB. 25
Hosted by Hanover College
#1Hanover College vs. #4Transylvania
#2 Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology vs. #3 Defiance College/#6 Franklin College
HCAC CHAMPIONSHIP - SATURDAY FEB. 26
Hosted by Hanover College
Friday Feb. 25 winners
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