CINCINNATI, Ohio – On Wednesday, January 17th your Mount St. Joseph University women's basketball team welcomed the #2 Transylvania Pioneers to the Harrington Center for a Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference matchup. The Pioneers entered the contest on a 48-game win streak dating back to March of 2022. But, in the first half the Lions put the pressure on taking a one-point lead heading into halftime. Following halftime, the Pioneers got the offensive jolt they needed. The Pioneers took the lead and never looked back as the Lions fell 58-45.
To begin play, the Lions looked energized on the floor. After an opening layup from the Pioneers, the Lions fired back. A three-pointer from
Chloe Jansen got the Lions started as they took an early 6-2 lead. But, the Pioneers would answer with five points of their own taking back the lead with 4:42 left in the first quarter. To end the quarter, the Lions defense was dominant. The Lions held the Pioneers to just two points on zero field goals to go on a 7-2 run in the final four and a half minutes.
Morgan Jenkins led the charge with 5 points during the run giving the Lions a 13-9 lead after 10 minutes.
In the second, the Pioneers jumped back in front quickly taking a one-point lead with 7:26 left in the half. The Pioneers didn't have the lead long as Jansen knocked down a jumper on the following possession. After a turnover, the Lions strengthened their lead with a huge three-pointer from
Karlee Mills to take a 18-14 advantage. But, the Pioneers had an answer taking another one-point lead with 4:32 left to play. Jenkins then took the ball for the Lions scoring four points and taking a 22-19 lead with 3:11 left in the half. The Lions would hold the Pioneers to just one jumper and one free throw and after 20 minutes of basketball, the Lions led #2 Transylvania 23-22.
Coming out of the locker room, the Pioneers looked comfortable. The Pioneers started the second half on a 10-0 run taking a 32-23 lead with 6:32 left in the third quarter. The Lions got a few shots to fall but couldn't find their rhythm. As the third quarter buzzer sounded, the Lions trailed 42-29.
To begin the fourth, the Lions offense got back on track. Each squad traded baskets before the Lions started to chop down the Pioneers lead. With just over six minutes remaining, the Lions went on a 6-0 run cutting the Transylvania advantage to 49-39 with 4:45 left to play. But, the Pioneers would hold their ground taking down the Lions 58-45.
Jenkins led the way offensively for the Lions finishing with 15 points and 5 rebounds. Mills had an impressive game defensively finishing with a team-high 7 steals along with 10 points and 2 assists. Jansen did a little of everything for the Lions finishing with 9 points, 5 assists, 3 steals and 2 rebounds.
UP NEXT: Your Mount St. Joseph Lions are back in action on Saturday, January 20
th when they travel to North Manchester, Ind. to take on the Spartans of Manchester University. Tip-off is scheduled for 3PM.
