Matthew Welsh
Contributing Writer
LEXINGTON, KY- Transylvania Men's Basketball lost their season opener 92-81 against the Muskingum Fighting Muskies at the Clive M. Beck Center. Transylvania went into the game picked fourth in the HCAC preseason poll.
Transylvania had four different players score in double figures - Ian Reesor and Drew Marshall both had 18 points respectively. Marshall also led the Pioneers in the rebound category with seven rebounds on the night. Both Luke Idlett and J.C. Walbert both led the Pioneers with three assists apiece.
The Pioneers started slow as they were losing 11-3 going into the first timeout of the half. At the end of the first half, the score was 43-32 with the Fighting Muskies leading over the Pioneers. Luke Idlett led the Pioneers with eight points at halftime while Drew Marshall led with four rebounds. The Pioneers were distributing the ball equally with five different players recording an assist. The Pioneers were shooting 30 percent from the floor while 26.7 percent from beyond the arc.
The Pioneers came into the second half with a more focused attitude outscoring the Fighting Muskies 9-5 going into the first timeout of the second half. However, the Fighting Muskies were still leading halfway into the second half with a score of 60-53. With five minutes left in the game, the Fighting Muskies were still leading 72-65. The Pioneers were always in striking position, but the Fighting Muskies pulled away in the last five minutes to a 92-81 victory. The Pioneers shot 41.5 percent from the floor while 30.8 percent from beyond the arc. The Pioneers also made 54.3 percent of their free throws.
Key Stats
-Transylvania outscored Muskingum 38-12 in bench points
-Transylvania outscored Muskingum 38-34 points in the paint
-Transylvania outscored Muskingum 18-17 in fastbreak points
-Transylvania out rebounded Muskingum 37-35
Transylvania returns to action on Saturday, November 15th, hosting Berry College from Georgia for game two of the Kentucky Tipoff Classic. The action kicks off at 4:00 p.m.
Transylvania University is a proud member of the NCAA Division 111 and the HCAC. To keep up to date with all of the Transylvania Athletics, check out our website at www. transysports.com and follow @TransySports on Instagram.
