Box Score

LEXINGTON, Ky. - Ethan Spurlin scored 24 points and No. 25 Transylvania used a strong defensive effort to keep its HCAC record unblemished on Wednesday in a men's Heartland Conference matchup at the Beck Center.

"We knew this would be a tough game," said head coach Brian Lane, whose Pioneers have won 19 of their last 21 games at home. "Having just returned from Las Vegas and getting used to the time change, the other students not being back yet, and hosting a very solid opponent in Franklin is a lot to deal with, but I think we handled it well."

Spurlin poured in 24 points and grabbed eight rebounds for the No. 25 Pioneers (11-1, 5-0 HCAC). Brandon Rash was also solid with 17 points and seven rebounds. Tate Cox pitched in 14 points for Transy, who sits alone atop the HCAC standings.

Gunner Erwin (13 points) and Will Conoley (12) led the way for the Grizzlies (6-6, 3-2 HCAC), who came into the game as one of four teams with a single loss in league play.

Franklin was strong out of the gate, and trailed Transy just 30-27 at halftime. But the Pioneers used a 27-8 run and a solid defensive effort to pull away and win comfortably.

"Our defense was much better in the second half, particularly against the three-pointer," said head coach Brian Lane.

After allowing Franklin to shoot 4-for-8 in the first half, the Pioneers locked down and held the Grizzlies to just 2-for-11 three-point shooting in the final 20 minutes.

Transy iced the game down the stretch from the free-throw line, where they shot 19-for-22 in the second half. The Pioneers also forced Franklin into 15 turnovers. "Any time you're able to force that many turnovers, it gives you a great chance to win," added Lane.

Transy is back in action on Saturday when the Pioneers travel to Defiance (4-7, 0-4 HCAC).