LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY — The Mount St. Joseph University men's basketball team was defeated at Transylvania University in overtime, 59–55.
Transylvania opened the game on a 6–0 run. The Mount then went on an 8–0 run to take their first lead of the game at the 15:34 mark with a Jason Lavender fast-break layup. The Lions would stretch their first-half lead to as much as 11, but the Pioneers continued to chip away. Matthew Menninger hit a three-pointer with 1:02 remaining, and Corey Rogers knocked down a jumper with seconds left on the clock as the Mount went into halftime up 31–21.
Transylvania came out strong to start the second half, going on a 9–2 run. After that stretch, the second half became a tight, one-possession game for most of the way. With 2:08 left, Transylvania hit a three to go up 47–42. With 35 seconds remaining, Jason Lavender knocked down two free throws to pull the Lions within three at 47–44. The Pioneers went 1-for-2 from the line, and Cooper Ollis hit a three with 15 seconds left to cut the lead to one, 48–47. Transylvania hit two more free throws, but Matthew Menninger drilled a three-pointer at the top of the key at the buzzer to tie the game at 50 and send it to overtime.
In overtime, Jay Bilton hit a three to give the Mount a 53–52 lead. The Pioneers responded immediately with a layup to retake the lead and would not trail again. Jason Lavender hit a pair of free throws to cut Transylvania's lead to one, but the Lions ultimately fell 59–55.
The Lions were led by Cooper Ollis, who finished with 14 points and 8 rebounds, followed by Matthew Menninger with 11 points. Jason Lavender added 8 points and 7 rebounds.
UP NEXT: The Lions will take on Earlham College on Saturday, December 13 in the Harrington Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 3:00 p.m.
