Transy Cruises to Senior Day Victory Against Defiance, 87-67

Lexington, Ky. (Transy Athletics) – The Transylvania men’s basketball team completed its final regular-season home game of the 2018-19 season with a display of excellence and savory memories in an 87-67 win over the Defiance College Yellow Jackets on Saturday afternoon at the Beck Center.

The Pioneers honored their two seniors, forward Bo Schuh and guard Cooper Theobald with a pregame ceremony before sending them off with a victory to remember as the Pioneers were red hot on offense all day long.

After shooting 61 percent from the field in the first half, the Pioneers blazed the nets again in the second half, knocking down 17 of 27 field goals to finish the day shooting 62 percent overall.

The Pioneers moved to 12-4 in Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference play and 15-8 overall. Transylvania retained a share of second place in the conference standings with two road games remaining in its regular-season slate. Defiance dropped to 3-20 overall and 1-15 in HCAC play.

Saturday’s game featured its fair share of big-moment performers along with its senior dignitaries as two-year Student Assistant Patrick Dragan was also recognized during pregame festivities. From tip-off, sophomore forward Lucas Gentry delivered one of the best individual Transylvania first halves in recent memory, hitting 8 of his first 9 field goal attempts to post a career-high 20 points, all coming in the first half.

Following a jump shot from Theobald and two made free throws by sophomore guard Devin Twenty, the Pioneers amassed their largest lead of the game at 34-13 with 7:52 remaining in the first half.

Sophomore guard Michael Jefferson put together another signature second half, scoring 10 of his 14 points in the final period to guide the Pioneers to the finish line. Jefferson finished with a career-high 11 assists and came just two rebounds short of a double-double while also adding three steals.

In addition to their pregame ceremony, Transylvania’s two seniors had their fair share of in-game confetti. Schuh threw down a monstrous slam in the second half as he finished 3 for 4 from the field while Theobald had a triple sampling of two rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Both players finished with seven points apiece.

Gabe Schmitt was the other double-digit scorer with 13 points, also adding three of Transylvania’s season-high 29 total assists.

The Pioneers now look ahead to a road contest at Franklin as they look to secure the second seed in the upcoming HCAC Tournament. Transylvania visits Franklin on Wednesday, February 13 at 7:30 p.m.