NORTH MANCHESTER, Ind. - The Manchester University men's basketball team topped the visiting Transylvania Pioneers 86-78 on Sunday, November 27th to open conference play. The Spartans' win against the Pioneers on Sunday was the first of the season for the men. 

The Spartans were able to score first during Sunday's game thanks to a layup by Quentez Columbus (South Bend, Ind., Adams). The Pioneers were quick to answer with a two-point shot by Colby Napier, but the Black and Gold countered and held-on to the lead throughout the first half. The score at halftime was 47-39 in favor of MU. 

In the second half, two made free throws by Logan Willoughby (Greenwood, Ind., Whiteland Community) with 16:38 on clock would give Manchester their biggest lead of the game, putting them ahead 54-43. The Pioneers would try to cut the deficit, tying the score 70-70 with less than 8 minutes left in the game, but Manchester would hang on to win it 86-78. 

Turnovers were a factor in Sunday's contest. Transylvania finished the day with 16 turnovers as a team, while Manchester had 11. MU was able to capitalize, finishing the game with 26 points off turnovers.

Four Spartans scored in double-digits for the Black and Gold. Logan Willoughby led Manchester with 20 points, while Quentez Columbus and Bryant Smith (West Lafayette, Ind., Harrison) each chipped in 19 points. Columbus also led MU with 8 rebounds and 4 assists on the day, while Zach Sawyer (Columbus, Ohio, Bishop Watterson) added 13 points for the Spartans. As a team, Manchester shot 46.7% from two-point range, 47.1% from three-point range, and 78.6% from the free throw line. 

Jaylen Green finished the day with a double-double after scoring 15 points and pulling down a team-high 12 rebounds for Transylvania. Green also led TU in assists with 7. Simon Smith led the Pioneers with 23 points. TU finished with a 46.2 field goal percentage, a 43.5 three-point percentage, and shot 66.7% from the free throw line. With the loss, Transylvania falls to 2-3, 0-1 HCAC. 

Up next, the Black and Gold will host Defiance College for another HCAC matchup on Wednesday, November 30th. The Spartans and Yellow Jackets will tip-off at 7:30 p.m. in Stauffer-Wolfe Arena.