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


LEXINGTON, KY - Colby Napier's 24 points led the way for the Pioneers in their 70-63 victory over Mary Hardin Baylor (UMHB) in the opening round of the 2024 Don Lane Classic on Saturday. 

Colby Napier opened the first half only 11 points away from reaching the 1,000 point career milestone. He scored the first two field goals for the Pioneers, both three-pointers, as Transy took an early 6-2 lead. Napier scored two more three-point field goals in the first half, reaching the milestone at the 06:46 mark to take a 26-19 lead. Trailing one at the half, UMHB took the lead early in the second courtesy of a jumpshot from Eli Beard, but Ian Reesor would respond for the Pioneers with a three-pointer to regain the 38-36 advantage. Hunter Penn's lay-up at the basket gave the Pioneers a 56-55 lead with just over six minutes remaining, and it stared a pivotal sequence of offense to secure the victory for Transylvania. Colby Napier landed a three-point field goal late in the shot clock to extend the advantage with just over two minutes remaining, but UMHB would respond with a three-pointer of their own on the next possession. Hunter Penn scored at the basket to push the lead back to three with under two minutes remaining. With a strong defensive effort in the final minutes and strong free throw shooting performances from Colby Napier, Brandon Rowe and Jaxon Smith secured the 70-63 win. 

Napier led the Pioneers with 24 points, including seven three-point field goals. Ian Reesor added 15 points and seven rebounds while Hunter Penn added 10 points and nine rebounds. 

Key Stats

- Transylvania outscored UMHB 23-22 in second chance opportunities.
- Colby Napier eclipsed 200 career three-point field goals. 
- Colby Napier reaches the 1,000 career point milestone.
- Transylvania has won five straight games this season. 

"It was great to see us come off a nice road HCAC win and play a nationally ranked team so well," said Head Coach Brian Lane. "Mary Hardin Baylor does so many things well that I knew we would have to play an exceptional game. I purposely did not tell Colby Napier how close he was to reaching the 1,000 point club but in reality it would not have affected him at all. To go over 1,000 points and 200 three-pointers in a career in the same game is special. We will need to quickly refocus for a tough Wabash team who has several big wins this year. Tonight, defense was the key to victory because as a team we did not shoot the ball at a high percentage level like we have in several other games this year."

Up next for Transylvania is a match up with Wabash in the 2024 Don Lane Classic Championship Game on Sunday, December 22nd at 3 p.m. at the Clive M. Beck Center. 

The 2024 Don Lane Classic is presented by Toyota on Nicholasville and Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii. 

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.