TRANSYLVANIA, Ky. – University of Mary-Hardin Baylor Men's Basketball fell to Transylvania University in a 70-63 decision Saturday afternoon in Kentucky. UMHB falls to 8-3 on the season while the Pioneers improve to 6-3 overall.
 
The matchup played scoreless through the first two minutes until the Pioneers got on the board with a three-pointer. A turnaround jumper from Maurice Pinnock got the Cru on the board, making the score 3-2. The Pioneers held the lead through the 13:20 mark when Eli Beard hit a three-pointer to tie the game at 11. Transylvania answered, taking a 26-19 lead for the biggest differential of the half. Pinnock cut into the lead with a jumper from the paint followed by a layup from Josh Goings in back-to-back possessions to make it a 28-23 game. Beard tacked on a three-pointer off an assist from Goings along with another Pinnock turnaround to cut into the lead 32-28.. The half closed out with a long toss from Goings, hitting Beard right under the basket to cut the gap to one for a 35-34 halftime score. 
 
Eli Beard led the Cru in the first half with 12 points. Jerry Day Jr. added four rebounds while Josh Goings and Ryan Pondant each added three of their own. The Cru added two steals in the first 20 minutes scoring six fast break points off of turnovers.
 
The Cru came out of halftime taking the lead 36-35 after a score from Eli Beard. The Pioneers responded with a three-pointer right after to hold the upper hand, but Beard struck again with a three to give the Cru a 39-38 lead. Josh Goings drew a foul on UMHB's next possession taking him to the line and making both free throws. The Cru held the Pioneers on their next three possessions, adding a Co Rose three-pointer to take the score to 44-40 Crusaders. UMHB held on until Transylvania responded with a three-pointer at the 9:30 mark to take the lead back 52-51. Two free throws allowed the Pioneers a three-point lead but a layup from Goings and a jumper from Jerry Day Jr. gave the Cru the lead again. The Pioneers did not take no for an answer, coming back again to make it a 59-56 score with 4:02 left to play. After a timeout, Beard answered at the free throw line with two good shots, closing in with a score of 59-58. A three-pointer from the Pioneers was matched in the next possession by Maurice Pinnock to keep it a one-point difference. Transylvania sailed ahead to end the frame, closing out the game with a 70-63 win.
 
Eli Beard led the Cru with 19 points, going 4-4 at the free throw line and hitting three three-pointers. Josh Goings tallied a team-high rebounds for UMHB, adding nine along with five assists. The Cru led the Pioneers in steals with six while Transylvania had just two.
 
UMHB returns to action in day two of the Don Lane Classic on Sunday, December 22^nd. The 1:00 PM matchup opponent will be decided in the December 21^st game between Albion and Wabash.