Richmond, Ky. – Zach Larimore posted a career-high 24 points, but the Eastern Kentucky University Colonels pulled away from the Transylvania men's basketball team in an 81-60 final at McBrayer Arena on Saturday afternoon.
The contest was the third for the Pioneers against an NCAA Division I opponent in the last four days. The matchup was also the first between EKU and Transylvania since 2001. The Colonels now lead the all-time series 29-13.
Transylvania's offense was on full display throughout the first half as the Pioneers shot 58 percent from the field, lighting up the Colonel defense for 41 points in the first half.
Making the first start of his career, Brice Scott powered the Pioneers to a strong start with two rebounds and an impressive three-point play in the first minute of the game.
Transylvania took an 8-6 lead at the 17:30 mark when Lucas Gentry knocked down his first three-point basket of the day. Gentry finished the game with a season-high 13 points to go along with seven rebounds.
After Transylvania relinquished the lead to the Colonels, Michael Jefferson knocked down a pair triples to keep the Pioneers within striking distance. Jefferson recorded his first double-double of the season with 10 points and 12 rebounds.
With four minutes left in the half, Larimore converted a breathtaking three-point play in transition to cut the EKU lead to 36-33. Larimore finished the half with 15 points to lead all scorers.
Despite the strong shooting start by the Pioneers, EKU went on a 16-8 run over the final four minutes of the half to secure a 34-25 lead at the break.
EKU's defense clamped down on Transylvania's shooters throughout the second half as the Pioneers were only able to muster 19 points on 24 percent shooting from the field. The Colonels added 29 points in the period to secure the victory.
Transylvania's record falls to 0-3 on the season while the Colonels' improve to an impressive 5-1 on the young season.
The Pioneers will be back in action on Tuesday, December 15 when they travel to Murray, Kentucky to take on Division I Murray State University. The game is scheduled for an 8:00 p.m. EST start at the CFSB Center. The game will be the Pioneers' fourth straight against an Ohio Valley Conference foe to start the season.
For more on Transylvania men's basketball, follow @TransyHoops on Twitter
