PHOTOS

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. -- The Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology took on the defending national champions for just the second time in program history on Saturday, and they fell 56-42 to the #2 Transylvania Pioneers.

The 14-point win for the Pioneers is their closest HCAC contest in over a year since their 13-point win over Mount St. Joseph on January 11, 2023.

The Fightin' Engineers came out of the gates strong in the first quarter, and they held multiple leads early in the game including their last lead of 10-9.

Transylvania responded in a hurry with a 25-4 run to extend their lead to 20 points. They ramped up their defensive effort, and Kennedi Stacy shot lights out with 19 of their 31 first-half points.

Rose-Hulman ended the half with a 7-0 run by Jamie Baum in the final 2:24 with a pair of triples and a free throw to help cut the lead back to 34-21 going into the locker room.

The third quarter was all Rose-Hulman as they cut the lead to six with a pair of free throws coming to cut the lead to four. However, after missing both free throws, Transylvania was able to rebound and lead 42-33 after three.

In the fourth quarter, Rose-Hulman kept it around ten for most of the quarter, but they were unable to get any closer as the Pioneers would hold on for the victory.

Grace Roland led the team with 16 points, and Baum added 12 despite being held scoreless in the second half.

The Fightin' Engineers will return to action on Wednesday, January 17 as they host the Manchester Spartans at 7:30 PM.