Transylvania women’s basketball remains undefeated with Division III Sweet 16 on tap

The Transylvania University women’s basketball team keeps on winning.

The undefeated Pioneers reached the NCAA Division III Women’s Basketball Tournament Sweet 16 with a 71-59 victory at home against Millikin in the second round Saturday night.

Transylvania (29-0) has won 56 of its last 57 games. The second-ranked Pioneers have not lost since last season’s NCAA Tournament Elite Eight.

The Clive M. Beck Center was packed and electric Saturday, with fans yelling each and every step of the way.

No. 18 Millikin (24-5) clearly came prepared for the tall task of tackling Transylvania, jumping out to an early lead in the first quarter. The Big Blue was consistently disruptive on defense, making the Pioneers earn every single basket.

And earn them they did. Down 11-6, the Pioneers found an offensive rhythm, took the lead and never trailed again. Transylvania was up 36-24 at the break after a dominant second quarter in which the Pioneers shot 61.5 percent from the field and outscored Millikin 19-11.

But Millikin head coach Olivia Lett’s halftime adjustments positioned the Big Blue to get back into it. Milliken rallied to tie the game at 46 just before the end of the third quarter. The Pioneers, who average 31.6 percent from three-point range, were 2-for-12 from there in the third quarter, and Millikin took advantage.

But Transylvania was able to capitalize when Millikin began the final period 0-for-6 from the field. The Pioneers regained their double-digit lead with a minute to spare.

Millikin’s Elyce Knudsen, who averages 22.3 points per game, was held to just 14 points.

“All year, our half-court defense has been the foundation to build off of and rely on in big games,” Transylvania head coach Juli Fulks said. “Tonight’s effort was especially impressive as they faced one of the country’s leading scorers. I’m excited for the team as they continue to improve game after game and get to have the reward of playing in the Sweet 16.”

Four Pioneers scored in double figures, including senior leader Madison Kellione, a former Harrison County standout who had a game-high 19 points to go with five rebounds and six assists. She was joined by Dasia Thornton (10 points, 12 rebounds and four assists), Kennedi Stacy (13 points and nine rebounds) and Sydney Wright (13 points, seven rebounds and two steals).

Transylvania will next host an Ohio Northern team ranked 16th and fresh off a 71-60 victory over Wisconsin-Oshkosh.

Next game

Ohio Northern at Transylvania

When: 7 p.m. Friday

What: Sweet 16 of NCAA Division III Tournament

Records: Ohio Northern 25-4; Transylvania 29-0