Dalton Christopher
Assistant Athletic Director - Communications & Media
dchristopher@transy.edu

GRANVILLE, OHIO - Transylvania ran out of time in a late rally against Denison in the opening night of the Sara Lee Classic, 77-73. 

After exchanging opening field goals, Makya Grinter scored on a fast break lay-up to give the Pioneers a 6-4 lead. Riley Flinn forced a turnover that led to another Grinter fast break drive to extend the lead. Reagan Barrett blocked a shot attempt from Denison, leading to a three-pointer from Barrett to give Transylvania an 11-5 lead. Free-throws from Riley Flinn and a basket in the paint from Chloe McKnight extended the Pioneer lead to nine. Denison would rally, going on a run to end the first quarter with an 18-15 advantage. 

After giving up a three-pointer in the opening minutes of the second quarter, Transylvania responded with another three-pointer from Barrett, but Denison would connect on another three-point field goal, and a successful trip to the free-throw line, to push their lead to 12. Grinter connected on a three-pointer to stop the run, then scored on a basket in the post through contact, earning an extra point at the free-throw line. Flinn scored another three-pointer to cut the Denison lead down to five, Grinter scored two free-throws to cut the deficit to three at the halftime break. 

Barrett, Kemelgor and Grinter all scored for the Pioneers in the opening minutes of the third quarter, but Denison continued to respond with timely baskets to maintain their lead. With 03:23 remaining, Kemelgor tied the score at 51-51 with a jumper in the paint. Flinn and Kemelgor would score down the stretch in the final minute of the quarter to carry a one point deficit into the fourth. Abby Cooch of Denison scored on a three-pointer to open the fourth quarter, but Hannah Glisson would respond with a three-pointer of her own on the next possession for the Pioneers. With 01:15 remaining. Denison held a 73-66 lead, but the Pioneers would make another run. Grinter scored two from the free-throw line, as well as a drive to the basket, to cut the lead to 73-70. With less than thirty seconds remaining, Glisson scored another three-pointer for the Pioneers to cut the Denison lead to two. Denison would score on a successful trip to the free throw line that gave them the 77-73 final score. 

Grinter led the Pioneers with 28 points. Riley Flinn and Reagan Barrett each scored 11 points. Kemelgor recorded 10 points. 

Transylvania returns to action against Marietta Sunday to close the Sara Lee Classic. 

Transylvania University is a proud member of the 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.