Our Pioneers Men's Basketball Team played the second game of a double header against the Anderson Ravens here at the Beck Center. The Men looked to continue their win streak after watching the Women's team beat the Lady Raven's in the first half of the day. After a very physical 40 minutes of play our Pioneers came out on top through an exciting adrenaline filled game.

In the first half Colby Napier got to work hitting the Pioneers first couple of baskets setting the pace for a game he looked to dominate. Rebounding and assisting were two categories we dominated for much of the game, showing the hustle and trust each player has in their teammate. Hunter Penn was making himself felt allowing Transy to lead in the rebounding category defensively and offensively where he ended the night with another double double. Transy and Anderson went back and forth throughout the game but were able to pull ahead by 3 before halftime, going into the break at 41-38.  

In the second half the pace quickened with players realizing the referees were going to let them play which Transy took advantage of. Playing fast and free allowed our players to get quick fast break points while suffocating the Ravens on Defense. Freshman Daniel Mullins got the Pioneers back on track after being down 10 at one point with a quick 3 spark plugging the offense. With about 10 minutes left the Beck Center came to life, cheering on our Pioneers while they fought hard to close the gap. After clutch shooting from Colby Napier along with a couple of steals from Matthew Teague the Pios took the lead by 3 and never turned down the intensity. Napier hit 3, 3 point shots in a row forcing Anderson to take a timeout giving all the momentum to the Pioneers. With every fan on their feet the game quickened in favor of the Pioneers who held onto a slim lead which they preserved through late free throws and suffocating defense. The Pioneers won the game 87-84. 

Head coach Brian Lane had this to say after the game: 
"We knew going in this would be a tough game with Anderson being undefeated in the conference. We played several different combinations and after getting down 10 points.  we switched to the press.  Matthew Teague was huge on the front of the zone getting three steals that were converted into buckets. Once we were able to catch up and take the lead by seven I loved our composure. Colby Napier was on fire hitting six threes and Hunter Penn with another double double was solid" 

• Colby Napier: 27 points, 5 rebounds, 55% from 3PT

• Hunter Penn: 11 points, 10 rebounds, 100% FG

• Simon Smith: 10 points, 6 rebounds.

• Matthew Teague: 15 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists

• Daniel Mullins: 11 points

This game was a big step in the right direction for the Pioneers with Anderson being at the top of the conference. Napier set a career high in 3 pointers made in a game, career high for Mullins in rebounding, and a career high steals in a game for Teague. With that win the Pioneers remain undefeated at home where they will next take on Rose-Hulman away Wednesday January 18th.