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

LEXINGTON, KY - Transylvania Men's Basketball hosted conference opponent, Anderson University, on Saturday afternoon. The highly competitive match up went down to the final seconds with the Pioneers losing, 76-75. 

The Pioneers took their first lead of the game after both teams exchanged points in the 16th minute, as Colby Napier nailed a three point field goal. Jaxon Smith made his second three of the night, boosting the Pioneers lead to four. A pair of three point field goals by Napier, propelled Transylvania to go on a 8-0 run closing in on the 10 minute mark. Anderson's Tate Ivanyo assisted with two three pointers to tie the game at 30-30. The closing minutes were filled with both teams fighting for momentum and the lead going into the half. The first 20 minutes came to an end with Transylvania's Brandon Rowe making two free throws and evening the score at 39-39. 

Both teams came out of the half in hopes to extend a lead. Jaxon Smith and Ian Ressor got the Pioneers started with a pair of layups. Transylvania led the Ravens by two possessions with a two point jumper by Napier. Just inside of 10 minutes remaining, the Pioneers went on a 7-1 run which included two three's by Napier and a dunk by Hunter Barr. Not going down without a fight, the Ravens back down to three. Another dunk and a layup by Barr brought Transylvania back up seven, 71-64 with 4 minutes to go. Drew Marshall and Napier closed out the scoring for the Pioneers, as Anderson's Kenney Troutman made a layup to take the lead in the closing seconds. 

Colby Napier led Transylvania in the scoring column with 21 points, with five three pointers. Hunter Barr followed with 14 points going 62.5% from the field. Hunter Penn's physicality inside the paint showed as he led the Pioneers in rebounds, grabbing 7. 

Head Coach Brian Lane stated post game "This is a disappointing ending after playing some really good basketball. We have to find a way to reduce our turnovers and make big plays when we need them. We lost the best player in the conference multiple times during the course of the game and it is tough to beat good teams with those breakdowns.". 

The Pioneers are looking forward to their next game, this Wednesday at home. Transylvania will welcome the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference opponent Hanover at 7:30 pm at the Clive M. Beck Center.

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.