Matthew Welsh
Contributing Writer

LEXINGTON, KY — Transylvania captured the 2026 Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference Championship on Sunday, defeating Anderson 91–79 at the Clive M. Beck Center. The victory secured the HCAC automatic qualifier into the 2026 NCAA Division III Men's Basketball Tournament and marked Transylvania's first conference title since 2020.

The Pioneers were led by Hunter Barr, who scored 27 points and was named HCAC Tournament MVP. Drew Marshall turned in an all-around performance with 18 points, nine assists, and six rebounds, earning a spot on the All-Tournament Team. Luke Idlett added 20 points, while Cayden Lancaster finished with 16 as four Pioneers reached double figures.

Transylvania opened the game with the first four points before Anderson answered with a 5–0 run to take the lead. A layup from Ian Reesor helped the Pioneers regain an 8–7 edge at the first timeout, but Anderson responded with a 14–2 run to build a 21–10 advantage with ten minutes left in the half. A layup by Barr cut the deficit into single digits, and a key three-pointer from Idlett brought the margin to six. Lancaster then erupted for 10 straight points, including two threes, trimming the deficit to three entering the final five minutes. Another Idlett three tied the game at 34–34 before a free throw from Jaxon Smith put the Pioneers ahead. Transylvania closed the half with a 44–41 lead behind three double-figure scorers, led by Marshall's 11 points.

The Pioneers opened the second half with a 7–0 run capped by a highlight-reel dunk from Barr to take a 51–41 lead. Anderson countered with a short run of their own, but Transylvania responded with four consecutive three-pointers to push the lead into double digits. The Ravens trimmed the margin to 75–70 with under seven minutes remaining, but two free throws from J.C. Walbert steadied the Pioneers. Barr then delivered five straight points to extend the lead to 87–73 with under three minutes to go, allowing Transylvania to pull away and secure the 91–79 championship victory.

Key Stats

– Rebounds: Transylvania 34, Anderson 31

– Bench Points: Transylvania 21, Anderson 17

– Points off Turnovers: Transylvania 20, Anderson 8

– Points in the Paint: Transylvania 38, Anderson 30

Transylvania University is a proud member of NCAA Division III and the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference. Stay updated at transysports.com and follow @TransySports on Instagram.