Jonathan French
Assistant Director of Communications and Media
jfrench@transy.edu
LEXINGTON, KY - The Transylvania University Pioneers faced off against conference opponent Manchester University Spartans in a highly competitive game on Saturday afternoon. The Pioneers were able to make plays in clutch moments and came out with the HCAC victory, 70-65.
Freshman, Ian Reesor came into the first few minutes hot, scoring the first eight points for the Pioneers. A Drew Marshall fast break layup pushed the Pioneers into double digits and made the lead over the Spartans six points at the 15:09 mark. Transylvania remained patient on offense and was able to find Marshall for a Transylvania three point field goal. A late first half push by Manchester came with a Max Robertson layup cutting the Pioneer lead to 1. Dakota Capps hit a mid-range jumper just over the three minute mark to keep Transylvania in front. In the closing seconds, Hunter Penn showed a tremendous amount of effort on the offensive glass, with an offensive rebound and a tip-in to take the Pioneers up five into the half.
Both teams fighting for momentum out of the break, the Pioneers kept the lead until the 14:50 mark. A pair of free-throws for the Spartans boosted them, taking the lead 42-41. The Pioneers did not miss a beat, and a Hunter Barr three ignited the Clive M. Beck Center. The Pioneers continued their scoring efforts, going on an 8-0, 49-42 with 11:45 to play. Freshman, J.C. Walbert checked in and made back to back three point field goals to give Transylvania a double digit lead. The Spartans were able to cut the lead down the stretch to five with 2:45 minutes remaining, but the Pioneers remained poised and came out in victory fashion at home.
Key Stats:
- Six Pioneers reached double digit scoring: Ian Reesor (15), Hunter Penn (12), Drew Marshall (11), Hunter Barr (11), Dakota Capps (10), and J.C. Walbert (10)
- The Pioneer defense forced the Spartans to 18 turnovers, which resulted in Transylvania outscoring Manchester in points off turnovers 25-14
- Transylvania shot 50% from behind the arc in the second half; while shooting 62.5% at the free throw line for the entire game.
Ian Reesor led the Pioneers in scoring with 15 while picking up 5 rebounds and an assist. Hunter Penn notched yet another double double with 12 points, 10 rebounds and one assist. Drew Marshall had an all around game with 11 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists. Freshman, J.C. Walbert stepped into action with 10 point showing, going 100% from behind the arc and 66% from the field.
The Pioneers move to 6-3 within conference play and are looking forward to their next match up on the road against Earlham College. The match up is set for 7:30 pm on Wednesday evening in Richmond, IN. 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.
