Jonathan French
Assistant Director of Communications and Media 
jfrench@transy.edu

LEXINGTON, KY - The Transylvania University Pioneers fall in a heartbreak loss to Wabash College in the 2024 Don Lane Classic championship game. The Pioneers lost by just five points to the Little Giants, 63-58.

The first half began with both teams fighting for momentum, with the lead being taken back and forth. Scoring for the Pioneers was kick-started by freshman Ian Reesor, who hit three-point field goals back to back. The score was evened at 11 a piece, with a three-point field goal by Drew Marshall at the 12-minute mark. Wabash extended the lead to nine with a three-pointer by Rich Brooks. The Pioneers went into the half down four after closing the first half with a 5-0 run with baskets from Hunter Barr and Reesor.

The Pioneers came out of the break with a spark in the offense. Three minutes into the second half, the score was back to even, 30-30, with a pair of free throws by Colby Napier. A three by Napier and layup by Hunter Barr put the Pioneers up 8 points with 12 minutes to play. Transylvania's largest lead of the night came with four minutes to play with a jumper by Dakota Capps. A final push by Wabash came in the last few moments, with the Little Giants taking the lead with 1:30 to play. Wabash extended the lead to five at the free-throw line as the game ended.

Freshman Ian Reesor led the Pioneers with 17 points shooting 66% from behind the arc. Hunter Barr battled hard inside the paint with 13 points and 5 rebounds. Hunter Penn led Transylvania in rebounds with 8 points while scoring 9 points. 

Head Coach Brian Lane is proud of how his team was able to find a rhythm in the second half but is looking forward to the upcoming rematch between the two teams.

"After a slow first half, we found our rhythm and played some excellent basketball to build a double-digit lead. We had too many possessions with careless passes and unnecessary fouls down the stretch which took away some of the momentum," stated Lane. "Fortunately, we face them again in eight days, and I fully expect a much sharper performance from the Pioneers.".

The Pioneer's next matchup is Monday, December 30th against Wabash College. The game will tip off at 5 pm in Crawfordsville, IN.

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.