Box Score LEXINGTON, Ky.-  Though Transylvania men's basketball's battle fell short in a 84-75 loss to Centre Tuesday night, "improvement" was the keyword of the night as freshman Alex Jones recorded a career-high 25 points, and the team's first double-double of the season.

"The good news is we got substantially better from our last game to tonight," said Coach Lane. "If they keep working the way we did this week in practice, and it is such a matter of time before everything clicks and we beat a good team."

The Pioneers came out ready to play in the first half, taking on the Colonels point-for-point.
 
Freshman Trevor Tiller netted Transylvania's first point of the contest, a three-point jump shot. After a few unsuccessful Pioneer shots, freshman Mason Monroe and Alex Jones each scored a jumper in the paint, bringing the score to 8-7.

A three-pointer by sophomore Parker Stansberry gave the Pioneers a 10-8 lead. A layup by Jones pushed the lead up to 12-10. Centre recaptured the lead, but freshman Logan Wade snatched a 15-15 tie with a three-point shot.

The rivals traded points throughout the half, neither team able to hold on to a long-lasting lead. With just a few minutes left, Jones managed a fast break and scored a layup, setting the score at 30-29. More points were traded, and a jumper by Jones concluded the half tied, 37-37.

The Pioneers started the second half with a 38-37 lead, but Centre quickly got ahead. Transylvania started to climb back up the scoreboard when Jones scored a jumper in the paint, and Stansberry scored another goal. Two free-throws by Monroe tied up the score at 44-44.

Centre slipped into a steady lead, but the Pioneers fought hard and finished with an 84-75 loss.  Despite the outcome, Coach Lane had many positive things to say about the game.

"I really liked the fact that we continued to compete once we got down and chipped away at their lead," said Coach Lane.
 
Jones had a remarkable game, making his first double-double as a Pioneer, scoring 25 points, 10 rebounds and dishing three assists. It marked the third time this season a bench player has recorded team-high points.

"Alex Jones had his best week of practice leading up to tonight's game," said Coach Lane. "I was happy that it carried over to a career scoring night and his first collegiate double-double."

Transylvania had a high shooting percentage, only 1 percent behind Centre's, at 40.0 percent. The Pioneers also excelled in steals and points off turnovers, netting 23 points off turnovers.

"I saw a lot of good things tonight," said Coach Lane. "We were much better on 50-50 balls whether it be loose balls or offensive rebounds."
 
According to Lane, the team needs to work on concentration and execute better offensively. He highlighted that the team gave up transition baskets because they were not locating shooters efficiently. Nevertheless, the team's hard work is showing through.

"We showed several things tonight that we have been asking of this young team, said Coach Lane. "We made some strides against a team that should compete in the upper part of their conference."
 
Fans can look forward to seeing continued improvement when the Pioneers take on Wilmington College in Cincinnati on December 1.