Our Pioneers came back to the Beck Center after falling short against Hanover last game. Our Men's team has protected home court this whole season and came into this game looking to continue that streak. After an evenly matched game with plenty of lead changes, our Pioneers were able to pull it out with a last second bucket from Jaylan Green and continue their home win streak ending at 67-65.
In the first half Transy and Rose got out to a quick start trading baskets, each team getting to double digits within the first couple of minutes. Brian Lane obviously had a defensive plan coming into this game and executed high traps once Rose entered the front court. Effective trapping got Rose-Hulman's guards quicken their pace driving them right to our shot blockers down low. The Pioneers have made the press and trap an integral part of their team identity and have used their athleticism and depth to make it so effective. This is what led to a relative low scoring half ending all even at 30-30.
In the second half the Pios fell behind which fueled their press even more and with that created 3 turnovers in a row from the combined efforts of Green and Teague. Converting on every point off of turnovers the Pios were able to take the lead late. Transy continued to lead points in the paint as they have trended this whole season but also showed pace by dominating fast break points. With 7.9 seconds left Transy was tied 65-65 and after a timeout Brian Lane drew up a play for Junior guard Jaylan Green for him to drive down the right lane and get a tough finish off the glass to give us the 2 point lead.
After the game head coach Brian Lane had this to say:
"Great come from behind effort. Several guys showed a lot of leadership in the huddle during timeouts talking about what we needed to do from an intense standpoint. Late in the game we felt like we had an advantage if we could create a little in decision, and Jaylan was able to get to the basket to hit the game winner. I'm happy for our guys because they're seeing their efforts pay off. Our goal was to hold Rose Hulman under six made three pointers and that was a huge difference in the game"
With this win we saw a healthy offense with multiple Pioneers getting involved, having 4 pioneers in double digit scoring. The work the Pioneers have been putting in shows as they look to continue home dominance next game Wednesday (25th) where Manchester comes to the Beck Center. After getting revenge from earlier in this season on Rose we hope to see Transy do the same with their second crack at Manchester.
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