Our Pioneers had the second game of a double header against Manchester today in the Clive M. Beck Center here in Lexington. After the Women cleaned up in the first game, the second game was much different where we would see a game of runs. Sadly in this shootout our Men's team just fell barely short where the game would extend into double overtime with both team's reaching triple digits ending this marathon of a game at 106-109

In the first half Transy got off to a strong start scoring quickly while running the offense well. Junior Simon Smith was battling injury all game due to his left elbow and shoulder problem from the Hanover game last week. Smith however didn't let that stop him from providing energy, getting a quick 8 points in the first half. As has been the trend all season long points in the paint have mattered and in this game that stayed true with Transy out scoring Manchester by 10 in the paint. Penn was integral in the inside play today where rebounding became his focus totaling 13 by the end of the game. After the first half Transy was in a good place shooting 51%FG and leading 41-32 heading to the locker room.

In the second half is where the game took a turn and showed just how crucial turnovers are when trying to maintain a lead. In the second we say a true game of runs with each team changing leads 11 times. With the defense intensifying after head coach Brian Lane got fired up trying to inspire his team. Playing with tempo the Pioneers continued their high percentage scoring with a 55% FG as well as a 56% 3 point being a fantastic bright spot this game. Turnovers were killer which is what allowed Manchester to come back and cut it to 3 with just under a minute left. At this point Matthew Teague had fouled out and on Manchester's last posesion in regulation the referees bail the visitors out with a 3 point foul call. Regulation ended tied 85-85.

In overtime Transy and Manchester traded baskets but fell behind by three with less than 30 seconds left leaving Transy with one possession left. With the game extending the Pioneers sadly racked up double digit fouls leading to our second leading scorer Jaylan Green to foul out ending his night with 19. After a quick timeout Transy ran a curl handoff to Colby Napier and got fouled on his 3 point attempt allowing him to knock down all free throws and forcing a second overtime. Napier at this point was one of many Pioneers in double digits leading the team with 32. The Pioneers in the second overtime seemed to just run out of gas with two players fouling out along with Smith and Capps needing rest throughout. This game ended close with a missed 3 from Transy to get to triple overtime with a final score of 106-109 in the highest scoring game of the season.

After the game Head Coach Brian Lane had this to say:

"We got off to a great start and could have been up more than 9 at the half had we not had double digit turnovers. This was a frustrating game because we did so many things well. We shot 51% from the field, 43% from three and had almost a double digit offensive rebounding advantage. Those are winning numbers but the turnovers really hurt. I also don't think I've ever seen three players on an opposing team combine for 92 points out of 109."

This game really was a statistically satisfying game for the Pioneers but sadly it just wasn't enough to keep the home win streak alive. However 6 players for the Pioneers reached double digits including Colby Napier who had a season high in points, field goals made, and 3 point shots made. Jaylan Green also had a career night getting a season high in rebounds and assists. The Pioneers look to bounce back against Bluffton away this Saturday (28th) at 2:00PM. 

• Hunter Penn: 11 points, 13 rebounds, season high assists with 3.

• Matthew Teague: 8 points, 7 rebounds, season high 7 assists. 

• Alex Madson: Season high in points (11), season high field goals made, and season high in 3 pointers made,