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


HANOVER, IN - The fifth seed Transylvania University was outlasted by the fourth seed Hanover on Saturday in the quarterfinals of the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) Tournament, 69-64.

Hanover began the afternoon with a quick offensive start, jumping out to a 12-2 lead in the opening minutes of the first half. Drew Marshall scored a three-pointer at the 12:43 mark to cut the deficit to eight, 15-7. Zach Stahlman scored another three-pointer for the Pioneers just over a minute later to keep the Transylvania momentum building. After a basket in the paint from Brandon Rowe, Marshall scored his second three-point field goal of the half to cut the deficit to one, 16-15. After exchanging baskets, Jaxon Smith scored the fourth three-pointer of the half for Transylvania to tie the game at 20-20 with 07:13 remaining in the half. Sam Stone scored a basket in the paint through contact, earning an extra point at the free throw line to give the Pioneers their first lead of the game, 23-21. Hunter Penn scored two field goals in the final two minutes of the half, including one at the buzzer, as Transylvania carried a 31-26 lead into the break.

Ian Reesor scored his first three-pointer of the evening in the opening minutes of the second half, extending the PIoneers lead to six. With just over ten minutes remaining in the second half, Colby Napier scored in the paint to keep the Transylvania advantage at seven. Drew Marshall scored through contact, earning a three point play for Transylvania, on the next possession, as the Pioneers had their largest lead of the evening at nine. After a competitive exchange of baskets, Hanover found themselves trailing by two with four minutes remaining. Hanover would take the lead, 61-60, after a three-pointer late in the half with 02:44 remaining. Hanover would score in the paint with consecutive baskets to take a five point lead with under a minute remaining. Drew Marshall would score a late basket for Transylvania, but Hanover would hold on for a 69-64 win. 

"We played a terrific thirty minutes in the middle of the game, but unfortunately we couldn't capitalize when we really needed it down the stretch," said Head Coach Brian Lane. "Hanover did a great job creating turnovers and converting at the foul line, and the was the difference in the final five minutes. I'm incredibly proud of our seniors - Hunter Penn, Colby Napier and Zach Stahlman. They were great teammates and leaders who leave behind a legacy of excellence in our program."

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.