LEXINGTON, Ky. – Transylvania used a late run at the end of the first half to distance themselves from visiting Manchester University and defeated the Spartans by a final score of 77-54. 

After a Keiton Hall (Lansing, Mich. / Lansing) three-pointer cut Manchester's deficit to two, the Pioneers used a 23-9 run over the final 9:56 of the first half to take a 41-25 lead at the break.

The Pioneer defense limited the Spartans to 36 percent shooting.  MU converted 21-of-58 field goal attempts.  Transy shot 44 percent (28-of-63) from the floor. Transylvania got a big boost from its bench on Saturday – the Pioneers' bench scored 53 of its 77 points.  Transylvania outrebounded Manchester 45-32.

Cortiz Buckner (Lafayette, Ind. / Lafayette Jefferson) scored in double figures for the fourth straight game, leading the Spartans with 14 points.

The Pioneers remain at the top of the HCAC standings, improving to 9-6 overall and 6-2 in league play.  The Spartans now sit at 5-10, 2-6 HCAC.  The Spartans will conclude the first half of the conference slate with a home game against league-leading Bluffton on Wednesday January 16.  Tip-off from Stauffer-Wolfe Arena is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.