Jonathan French
Assistant Director of Communications and Media
jfrench@transy.edu

FRANKLIN, IN - The Pioneers faced off against conference opponent, Franklin College, on Wednesday night in an away matchup. Both teams came into the matchup within the upper half of the conference standings. After a slow start, Transylvania rallied but ran out of time on the road, falling 77-63. 

Franklin began the night with a 16-4 run within the first five minutes of the half, before Hunter Penn sparked the Pioneers with a layup in the paint. Dakota Capps and Ian Reesor followed suit with consecutive baskets. A fast break three by Reesor at the 10 minute mark, brought the Pioneers within four points. A free-throw by Hunter Barr and a two point field goal by Drew Marshall kept the Grizzlies lead at 4 with 6 minutes to play. In the closing minutes, Franklin would extend the lead to 9, but a late three by Reesor would cut the lead to 6 at the half.  

Franklin would come out and extend the lead to 11 with a three by Lynn King. Two made free throws by Reesor and a Barr layup would keep the Pioneers within distance at the 15:55 mark. The Pioneers would spark a 7-0 run in just under 90 seconds with baskets by Marshall, Penn and a three by Zach Stahlman to cut the Grizzly lead to single digits with 11 minutes to play. The Pioneers would have a late push, with baskets by Penn and Marshall, and cut the deficit to five points. Franklin would close out the game with consecutive trips to the free throw line to make the final score, 77-63.

Three Pioneers reached double digits in scoring being led by Hunter Penn (15), Ian Reesor (13), and Hunter Barr (10). Penn would also lead Transylvania in rebounds with 8. 

Head Coach Brian Lane stated that being short handed, they knew it would be a tough match up, but the team has to limit the amount of turnovers. 

"We got off to a slow start, falling behind double digits early but were able to battle back to within 6 at the half. We could not get key stops at crucial points in the game and had way too many turnovers to beat a good team on the road." stated Lane. "We knew going in that playing without Colby and Jackson was going to make it tougher, but we have played 1 or 2 men down all season. We have to develop the ability to overcome adversity and the next guy steps up and plays to a higher level when given the opportunity.".

The Pioneers are back in action for another HCAC match up against Manchester on Saturday. January 18th. The tip-off is set for 3:00 pm at the Clive M. Beck Center. For more information please visit transysports.com

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.