ST. LOUIS, MO - Transylvania's 2025-26 campaign came to a close on Friday in the opening round of the 2026 NCAA Division III National Tournament, falling to host Washington University in St. Louis, 82-47.
Hunter Barr and Ian Reesor scored the first two field goals of the evening for the Pioneers, but Transylvania found themselves in an early deficit, trailing 8-4. J.C. Walbert and Drew Marshall scored to cut the deficit to one. Luke Idlett scored on a driving layup to cut into the deficit, with the Pioneers trailing 19-16 with just under seven minutes remaining in the half, but three consecutive baskets - two being three point field goals, put the Pioneers into a double digit deficit as the first half came to a close.
Barr and Reesor would open the second half with consecutive baskets much like in the first half, but Washington University in St. Louis would continue to extend their lead. Reesor would score on a basket in the paint at the 07:13 mark of the second half, but the Pioneers would trail 65-36. Senior Dakota Capps scored in the post with just over two minutes remaining, but the Pioneers found themselves trailing 80-47, eventually falling 82-47.
Hunter Barr led the Pioneers with nine points and seven rebounds, Ian Reesor recorded seven points and four rebounds. Jaxon Smith, J.C. Walbert and Drew Marshall each scored five points, Dakota Capps recorded seven points.
The loss caps a season to remember for the Pioneers, as Transylvania claimed co-ownership of the 2025-26 HCAC Regular Season Title before winning the 2026 HCAC Tournament Championship. Head Coach Brian Lane was named HCAC Coach of the Year, while Hunter Barr was named HCAC Player of the Year and HCAC Defensive Player of the Year. Barr, along with Drew Marshall, were named All-Conference selections in the HCAC. Transylvania ends the season 20-9 overall with a 14-4 mark in the HCAC.
Transylvania University is a proud member of NCAA Division III and the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference. To keep up to date with all Transylvania Athletics, check out our website at transysports.com and follow @TransySports on Instagram.
