LEXINGTON, Ky. – The Manchester University men's basketball team fell on the road in Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference play at Transylvania University by a final score of 85-64 on Wednesday January 26.

The host Pioneers used a 12-3 spurt to close the opening half and a 16-9 run to begin the second period to build a double-digit advantage over the Spartans. Manchester was able to whittle its deficit back to single digits midway through the second frame, however another 16-8 run by the Pioneers would put the game out of reach.

Transylvania was efficient on offense in Wednesday's contest, shooting 53 percent (35-66) from the field. Transylvania scored 46 points in the paint and got 31 points from its bench. The Pioneers also held a 44-25 rebounding advantage over the Spartans.

Manchester was held to 41.7 percent (25-60) shooting on Wednesday afternoon. The Spartans made 10 three-pointers, finishing 10-of-26 (38.5 percent) from deep.

Brandon Christlieb (Ashley, Ind./Prairie Heights) led Manchester with 20 points. CJ Hampton (Hammond, Ind./Griffith) added 11 points, seven rebounds, five assists, three steals, and two blocked shots. Bryant Smith (West Lafayette, Ind./Harrison) also scored in double figures, finishing with 10 points.

Simon Smith led the Pioneers with 17 points. Jaylan Green added 15 points while Hunter Penn contributed a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds.

Manchester (7-11, 6-5 HCAC) will travel to Franklin College on Saturday January 29 for a 3 p.m. matchup with the Grizzlies.

Transylvania (9-7, 4-5 HCAC) will host Bluffton at 4 p.m. on Saturday January 29.