Dalton Christopher
Assistant Athletic Director - Communications & Media


BLUFFTON, OHIO - Transylvania earned another Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) victory on Saturday, defeating Bluffton in the final seconds of a thrilling road match up. 

Hunter Barr started the offense for the Pioneers, scoring the first six points of the afternoon for Transylvania. Sam Stone scored two field goals alongside a three-pointer from Drew Marshall in the following three possessions to give the Pioneers a five point advantage. Leading 26-25 in the final four minutes of the half, Luke Idlett found his way to the basket to add to the lead. Ian Snelling would retake the lead for Bluffton at the free throw line, knocking down two free-throws in the final minute. In Transylvania's final possession of the half, Snelling would force a turnover on a steal from Sam Stone, driving ahead to Andre Irvin for a fastbreak lay up for Bluffton. Marshall's three-point attempt in the closing seconds wouldn't connect, leaving the Pioneers in a three point deficit at the halftime break. 

Stone opened the second half with a basket to cut the lead to one, but Bluffton responded with a three-pointer. Hunter Barr would force a turnover, stealing the ball from Bluffton's Jaxon Foster, leading to a fast break opportunity for Drew Marshall to tie the game. Transylvania would retake the lead, eventually building an 11 point lead after a three-pointer from Cayden Lancaster at the 11:09 mark. After Bluffton stopped the run and responded with a seven point run of their own, Stone would score again in the paint for the Pioneers, adding to a 54-48 lead. Both teams would exchange brief runs, with neither able to take a strong advantage, setting the stage for a fast paced final two minutes of action. With 01:49 remaining, Dakota Capps scored on a drive to the basket to take a 62-60 lead, but Bluffton would respond on the next possession with a three-pointer to retake the lead. Hunter Barr scored on a dunk to regain the lead for the Pioneers with just over a minute remaining, but Bluffton responded with another basket in the paint to retake the lead. With twenty seconds remaining, Hunter Barr scored on a free-throw to tie the game at 65-65. With less than seven seconds remaining, Dakota Capps stole the ball, driving down the court to score a fast break lay up to take a 67-65 lead, and overall victory, for the Pioneers. 

Hunter Barr led the Pioneers with 17 points, seven rebounds and three blocks. Drew Marshall and Sam Stone each added 13 points. 

Transylvania returns to action on Wednesday, December 17th, traveling to Manchester for another road HCAC match up. 

Transylvania University is a proud member of the NCAA Division 111 and the HCAC. To keep up to date with all of the Transylvania Athletics, check out our website at www. transysports.com and follow @TransySports on Instagram.