LEXINGTON - Transylvania Men's Basketball moved to 2-0 in the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference with a 78-77 win over Franklin tonight. The Pioneers used a strong first half to keep the Grizzlies playing from behind for most of the game, and survived a late scare.

Transylvania scored 50 points in the first half, the most they've scored in any half this season. The Pioneers went into the half up 17 after shooting almost 56% from the floor.

The 50 point half would give Transylvania a lot of help going into the second half as Franklin's offense and defense found its groove and fought its way back from the 17 point deficit. The Grizzlies had four shooters finish in double figures as they'd outscore Transy 44-28 to end the game.

Franklin took its first lead of the second half with just over five minutes to play at 65-64, and would make it 68-66, but back to back free throws by Drew Marshall tied the game. Jaylan Green would give Transy the lead after drawing a foul and make both free throws to put the Pioneers up 70-69 and Transy would stay on top the rest of the way. He would score 7 of the last 9 Pioneers points and finish with 25 to lead all scorers.

Three Pioneers finished with double figures as Simon Smith finished with 13 points and Matthew Teague finished with 12. Teague was two rebounds away from a double-double.

With the win tonight, Transylvania earns its 36th all time win over the Grizzlies.

The Pioneers hit the road this weekend for their first conference road trip of the season. They'll face Manchester in a 3 PM matchup.

To keep up to date with Transylvania Men's Basketball, follow the team on Instagram and Twitter @transyhoops.