Dalton Christopher
Assistant Athletic Director - Communications & Media
dchristopher@transy.edu


LEXINGTON, KY - Four Pioneers reached double figure scoring for Transylvania on Saturday, fueling a 79-64 Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) victory over Bluffton at the Clive M. Beck Center. 

Transylvania exchanged baskets in the opening minutes with Bluffton before building their first half lead. Hunter Penn's lay up at the 13:55 mark started a run for the Pioneers, with a jumpshot from Colby Napier and a three-point field goal from Drew Marshall extending a 17-8 advantage. As the first half continued, the Beavers would respond, cutting the lead down to three, but Napier's three consecutive three-point field goals would help the Pioneers regain control, 33-25. Dakota Capps would score twice at the rim in the final ninety seconds of the half as Transylvania carried a 39-27 lead into the half. 

Penn opened the second half with back to back baskets, followed by a long range three-pointer from Ian Reesor to extend the lead to fifteen. A basket from Bluffton's Sihr Sumner cut the Pioneer lead to seven with 08:11 remaining in the second half, but Transylvania would once again respond to the Bluffton run. Penn scored at the rim through contact, completing the extra point to stretch the Pioneer lead back to double digits. Napier and Reesor scored consecutive three-point field goals to put the lead back at fourteen with 04:13 remaining. A lay up from Capps and another three-pointer from Reesor would secure the Pioneer victory, 79-64. 

Hunter Penn led the Pioneers with 21 points and nine rebounds, while Colby Napier's four three-point field goals contributed to a 19 point performance. Ian Reesor added 14 points and seven rebounds, while Dakota Capps recorded a 12 point, eight rebound and seven assist performance. 

Key Stats

- Transylvania outscored Bluffton 16-2 on second chance opportunities.
- The Pioneers won the offensive battle in the paint, outscoring Bluffton 36-28 in the post. 

"We got off to a great start in the first half getting the shots we wanted for Hunter Penn," said Head Coach Brian Lane. "When Bluffton adjusted defensively, Colby Napier was able to get hot. Dakota Capps had one of his better games of the season with eight rebounds and seven assists. Ian Reesor continues to find ways to hit big baskets at key times in the game."

Up next for the Pioneers is a trip to Manchester University for another HCAC match up on Wednesday, December 18th at 3 p.m.

Transylvania University is a proud member of NCAA Division III and the HCAC. To keep up to date with all of Transylvania Athletics, check out our website at www.transysports.com and follow @TransySports on Instagram.