Jonathan French
Assistant Director of Communications and Media
jfrench@transy.edu
BEREA, KY - Four Transylvania Pioneers reached double digit scoring in the big Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference victory, 81-72, at Berea. The in-state rivalry continued to impress as the two teams met for a second time in just one week.
Starting the game Transylvania came out on a 7-0 run with baskets coming from seniors Colby Napier and Hunter Penn. The Mountaineers tied the game at the 14:35 mark with the score even at 10 points. The following minutes included both teams scoring back to back, with Sam Stone and Brandon Rowe making layups in the paint. A 6-0 run by the Mountaineers was halted by a Napier three just before the 10 minute mark. Dakota Capps and Napier strung together consecutive baskets to even the score at 30-30 with 5:46 remaining. Ian Reesor closed out the scoring with a pair of free throws, putting the Pioneers up 42-40 at the break.
The Pioneers carried their first half energy into the second half, opening with an impressive 13-4 run. Zach Stahlman's first points of the night came on a three point field goal, extending Transylvania's lead to 14. Penn's individual 5-0 run in the 10th minute, continued to keep Transylvania up 16. Both teams continued scoring as the second half closed, with the Pioneer lead staying above double digits. Both Reesor and Capps went 2-2 from the free throw line in crunch time, and Penn's layup concluded the scoring for Transylvania.
Key Stats:
- Four Pioneers accomplished double digit scoring: Hunter Penn (26), Colby Napier (16), Ian Reesor (16), and Dakota Capps (10)
- Hunter Penn led the Pioneers with 26 points and nine rebounds, falling just one board short of a double-double.
- Transylvania's defense turned into offense, outscoring Berea 16-9 on points off turnovers and 17-2 on fast break points.
Transylvania's next match up is on the road in Bluffton, OH on Saturday February 8th. The game is set for a 1:00 PM tip, as both teams eye a Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference win.
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.
