LEXINGTON, Ky. - Asbury Men's Basketball faced off against Transylvania Saturday night in a Central Kentucky showdown that went all the way down to the final buzzer. Ultimately, it would be the Pioneers who came out on top in a thriller, 69-68.
Both teams would go back and forth throughout the start of the first half, but Asbury would connect on 9-16 three-point field goals to take a 43-29 lead going into halftime.
At the break, Nick Fort would head into the locker room leading the Eagles with 16 points and 6 rebounds, while also shooting 3 of 3 from three-point range. Eric Powell scored 14 points and led Asbury behind the arc, netting 4 of 6. The Eagles also out-rebounded the Pioneers 21-19 after the opening half.
In the second half, Asbury would hold a 53-35 lead with just under 15:00 left in the game. But Transy would slowly start to chop away.
With under 5:00 left in regulation, the Pioneers had cut the Eagles lead to 64-59. A basket by a Pioneer guard with 40 seconds remaining would then cut Asbury's lead to 68-66. The Eagles would not connect on a field goal attempt on the ensuing possession, allowing Transy to get the ball with 13 seconds left on the clock. A drive to the basket and a three-point play layup would tie the game, and then give the Pioneers the one-point lead after a free throw. With 5.6 seconds remaining, a last-ditch effort and three-point field goal by John Shoulders would fall just short, giving Transy the win.
Asbury would be led in scoring by Eric Powell, who finished the game with 22 points while shooting 6 of 10 from three. Nick Fort scored 22 points and grabbed 9 rebounds. John Shoulders and Jamiel Goliday both added 7 points apiece. Clayton Winter would lead the team in rebounding, grabbing 14 total while also scoring 4 points.
Up Next
Asbury will travel to Tennessee on Wednesday, December 1st to take on NCAA Division III nationally ranked Maryville College (23rd). Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM.
