TERRE HAUTE, IN — Transylvania continued its strong conference run on Saturday afternoon, using a dominant defensive start and a balanced offensive push to defeat Rose-Hulman 62–44 inside Hulbert Arena.
The Pioneers opened the game on a 7–4 run behind baskets from Riley Flinn, Sierra Kemelgor, and Makya Grinter, before closing the first quarter on a surge. Grinter finished twice in transition, Chloe McKnight scored inside, and Keaton Hall added a late layup as Transylvania built a commanding 19–6 lead after ten minutes.
Rose-Hulman responded with a strong second quarter, scoring 17 points and tying the game 23–23 in the final minute. McKnight provided steady scoring inside, Bruner added strong minutes on both ends, and Transylvania held defensively to take a 23–23 tie into the halftime break.
Transylvania regained control in the third quarter. Kemelgor knocked down a three to pull the Pioneers even at 33–33, and moments later Flinn drilled a transition three to put Transylvania in front 38–37. McKnight added an inside finish, and Grinter connected on a pull-up jumper in the closing seconds to send the Pioneers into the fourth with a 40–37 lead.
The Pioneers then delivered a dominant final period, outscoring Rose-Hulman 22–7. Grinter opened the quarter with a three, McKnight scored twice in the paint, and Lombardi buried a three from the left wing to stretch the lead to 13. Juliana Smith added a late three-point play, and McKnight converted again inside as Transylvania pulled away for the 18-point victory.
Grinter powered Transylvania with 22 points, six rebounds, and three steals. McKnight added 12 points on 6-for-11 shooting, while Kemelgor posted 11 points, six rebounds, and three steals. Flinn contributed six points and seven rebounds, Barrett grabbed six boards, and Lombardi and Smith combined for eight points off the bench. The Pioneers forced 20 turnovers and held Rose-Hulman to just one made three-pointer.
Transylvania improves to 16–4 overall and 11–2 in HCAC play and returns home next week as the conference schedule continues against Berea at the Clive M. Beck Center on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.
Transylvania University is a proud member of the NCAA Division III and the HCAC. To keep up to date with all of the Transylvania Athletics, check out our website at transysports.com and follow @TransySports on Instagram.
