LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Spalding University men's basketball team dropped a tough fought game to Transylvania University, 71-68, Saturday evening at Derek Smith Gymnasium. The drops the Golden Eagles to 1-11 on the season.

Rylan Rowe led the Golden Eagles offense with 21 points. Nick Trisko and James Turner followed, adding 15 and 14 points, respectively.

The Golden Eagles offense was off to a quick start, opening the game on an 11-3 run. Nick Trisko and Steven Gordon were dominant on the boards, combining for half of the team's total rebounds. As a team, SU outrebounded Transy by eight, leading to 10 second chance points. SU increased their lead by shooting 63 percent from behind the arc. After back to back threes by Will Rainey, the Golden Eagles took a 28-11 lead, with 11 minutes left to play. The Pioneers increased their defensive pressure, forcing eight turnovers late in the half. Spencer McKinney and Cooper Theobald combined for 10 points apiece, helping Transy get back within two points of the lead. Rainey hit a three-pointer just across half court at the buzzer giving SU 39-34 lead at half.

Both teams battled into the second half, but SU maintained and stretched their lead to 13 points with 12 minutes left in regulation. Transylvania controlled the next five minutes of the game with Gabe Schmitt leading an 18-2 run to take their first lead of the game 58-55. Trisko made two free throws to tie the game 65-65 with two minutes left to play. James Turner hit his fourth three-pointer of the night to give SU a three-point lead, but the Pioneers were quick to answer with a three from McKinney. After a McKinney steal, Schmitt hit a game-winning three, ending the game 71-68.

The Golden Eagles will be back on the court for a conference game Thursday, January 5^th at 9 pm taking on Greenville College in Greenville, Ill.