Our Pioneers played here at the Beck Center where they faced off against Franklin for the second time this season where they looked to get revenge. The Pioneers barley fell short last time away at Franklin and will look to put pressure on the Grizzlies to even the score. After a quick 40 minutes our Pioneers came out on top with the game ending in a lop sided 98-68 win.

In the first half our Pioneers got their first basket by attacking the inside followed up with a steal and a 3. This is what Transylvania men's basketball has been about all season, getting big inside, playing tough defense, then finding open spots for your shooters after establishing an inside presence. Full court pressure was obviously a focus in practice this past week as Transy forced Franklin into bad decisions and late shot clock possessions. Junior Simon Smith had a strong first half, along with getting the first points of the game Simon reached double digits end with 13 in the first. This first half was really just a great team effort and showed exactly all the strengths each player provides. Transy held the last possession of the half scoring with a driving floater from Junior Jaylan Green ending with 13 as well. The half ended in the Pioneers favor at 48-33.

In the second half our Pioneers kept the same pace playing just as fast while continuing their aggressive on ball defense. Depth was a large factor in this half with the bench getting extended playing time including both seniors Luke Schroeder and Will Cockrell. Leading in blocks and rebounding this game shows just how important having the ball is and with excellent 3 point shooting this became a deadly combination ballooning our lead. The Pioneers got all but one teammate in this game showing again the possible depth on this squad and the confidence this team is playing with. The Pioneers would end the game with a 30 point lead.    

After the game head coach Brian Lane had this to say:
"This was a game where we had all five players on the court playing at a very high energy level and it showed in the final score. We really got out and pushed it on the break and get some easy baskets. The 4 quart pressure early in the game helps set the tone defensively, and we were able to get several stops in a row and fast break points."

• Jaylan Green: 28 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists 

• Simon Smith: 16 points, 3 assists, 2 blocks

• Daniel Mullins: 17 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists

After this win the Pioneers notched a season high in assists as focus will shift to build this win streak and show the HCAC how far Transylvania is ready to push in the postseason. The Pioneers next game will be this weekend Saturday February 4th at 4PM against Defiance here at home in the Beck Center.