PIONEERS CLAIM THE CROWN, NOW IT’S TIME TO DANCE

LEXINGTON, KY - Transylvania Pioneers men’s basketball is headed to the big dance after capturing the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference Championship with a 91-79 win over Anderson Ravens men’s basketball on Sunday at the Clive M. Beck Center.

The top-seeded Pioneers showed exactly why they sat atop the conference all season. Balanced offense, tough defense, and steady coaching helped Transylvania control the second half and pull away for the title.

Hunter Barr led the charge with 27 points and was named tournament MVP. Drew Marshall filled the stat sheet with 18 points, nine assists, and six rebounds, while Luke Idlett added 20 points and Cayden Lancaster chipped in 16.

Now the focus shifts to the national stage. Transylvania (20-8) travels to St. Louis for the opening round of the 2026 NCAA Division III Men’s Basketball Tournament against host Washington University Bears men’s basketball (18-7).

It will be the first meeting between the two programs since 2009, a 73-68 Transylvania win. With momentum, confidence, and a championship in hand, the Pioneers are ready to dance.

by Austin Stuckey, The Stable --

Photo Credit: Transylvania University Athletics