Our Pioneers traveled to Cincinnati, Ohio at the campus of Mount St. Joseph University in the second matchup of the season vs the Lions. The last time these two teams met was here at the Beck Center where the Bats handled business defeating them 70-52. In today's matchup the men look to extend their 3 game win streak where they have been playing exciting, well managed, team basketball. This game is especially special for our Head Coach, Brian Lane who with a win tonight would reach a staggering 350 wins here at Transy.
In the first half our men came into an aggressive environment where the attitude from the Lions seemed to be pointing at revenge. Having to battle from behind this half our Pioneers stuck to hard nose basketball out rebounding the Lions in the first half especially on the offensive end. Defense and causing turnovers has been at a high point and Transylvania capitalized on points off turnovers as well as leading in steals this half. Hunter Penn came to play today as asserting dominance inside allowed Transy to dominate in points in the paint.
In the second half we couldn't have asked for a better script as the half rollercoastered for the Pioneers who came out shooting to gain the lead. It was apparent that during the break the coaches emphasized the importance of good shot selection as the percentages in the first half were night and day compared to the second. Shooting at 48% this half the Pioneers were also able to lead in 3 point baskets that extended their lead enough to focus on ball control and healthy possessions. Having 10 consecutive stops ended up costing MSJ a total of 20 turnovers in a prime example of Sophomore guard Matthew Teague's impact. Transylvania led in almost every major stat category in the second half that also provided opportunity to the bench to contribute as Transylvania's bench statistically out performs their opponents. The end of this game was dramatic with the Pioneers holding a one possession lead after a hasty technical foul was called against the Bats but all was fine in the hands of the 22 year vet Brian Lane. Having a game saving timeout as well as the ability to substitute effectively allowed our Pioneers to pull out the away game effectively sweeping MSJ in the regular season. The game ended at 67-64 in the Pio's pushing their win streak to 4 games going 9 in the last 11.
After the Win, head coach Brian Lane had this to say:
"MSJ did a terrific job on us defensively in the first half and then we were able to raise our intensity level early in the second. Hunter Penn went to work scoring inside and it really helped. Teague's six steals led to some quick buckets and we were able to extend the lead. Jaylan Green had another big late game bucket to seal the victory."
With this Win, Brian Lane continues his historic career here at Transylvania University defining what it means to be a Division III coach. Handling business on the court and off the court Brian is an integral part of this University and its Athletic department since taking over in the 2001-02 season. Brian has a .611 winning percentage in his career here at Transy and is now the 2nd all time winningest coach in program history only trailing one person, being legendary coach and his father, Done Lane who sits at a staggering 509. The Lane impact on Transylvania is immeasurable as all of us here at Transylvania want to again thank and congratulate Brian on this important milestone.
The next game for the Pioneers will again be away at Anderson Saturday 3:00 PM where the Bats and Ravens will settle their season score after the Pios took the first matchup. For more on Transylvania men's basketball, follow @TransyHoops on Twitter.
