DANVILLE, Ky. - Transylvania Men's Basketball took down in-state rival Centre College 73-71 in one of the most exciting games in the history of the rivalry. Jaylan Green's game winning layup with 2 seconds left put Transy up by two points to secure the season opening win. Green finished the game with 31 points on 12-17 shooting from the field.

Transy started off the game with a 12-2 run and didn't trail at any point during the game. The Pioneers went into the half up 42-27 and shot 54.84% from the field heading into the second half.

The Colonels got hot in the final seven minutes of the game to cut the deficit to under ten points at 63-55. After a made three point shot by Green, Centre hit back to back to back threes and a jump shot with 2:28 left on a fast break to tie the game for the first time since it was 0-0.

Calm and collective, Green hit another three point shot to give Transy the lead just eleven seconds later for the three point lead, then extended the lead to five with a little over a minute to go to make it 71-66. Centre hit another three with just over a minute left to cut the deficit to two, and with the ball 28 seconds left drew a foul to earn two free throws to tie the game at 71.

After a timeout with 13 seconds left, Transylvania point guard Dakota Capps fed Green at the baseline for a game winning layup with just 2 seconds to play. Centre attempted a half court three pointer but missed short to give Transy its season opening win and 41st all time win over Centre.

For Head Coach Brian Lane, it's his 11th win as head coach versus Centre and third straight. Transy is now 41-23 all time versus the Colonels.

"I was extremely proud of how we got off to a great start in our season opener," Lane said. "The extra practices for our Bahamas trip paid dividends I thought. Our transition offensive was tremendous but we have to cut down on the turnovers when we play that fast." Transy turned the ball over 22 times tonight.

Lane gave praise to Green, who tied a career high with 31 points.

"Jaylan was huge tonight. His shots at the end of the game looked like a true veteran." Green made 12 of 17 shots tonight.


STATS FROM THE WIN

Eleven different Pioneers saw action in the win. Colby Napier finished with 9 points. Dakota Capps finished with 8 points and 7 rebounds. He led the team with 6 assists. Hunter Penn had 7 rebounds. Matthew Teague finished with 8 points, 6 assists, and 7 rebounds. Hunter Barr finished with 8 points on 4-6 shooting.

"We have a quick turnaround to get ready for a solid Elmhurst team in our home opener." Lane said.

Transys matchup with Elmhurst is set for this Thursday at 7:30 PM at the Clive M. Beck Center.