Transy (9-2) won for the eighth time in nine games while Defiance (7-5) lost its third straight.
It looked like the Yellow Jackets would be the team to break its streak when the visitors went up by as many as 11 points in the opening half before settling for a 39-29 advantage at the break. Defiance shot 57 percent in the first 20 minutes, including 63.6 percent (seven of 11) from three-point range. The Jackets held a 21-3 edge over the Pioneers from long range in the period.
Transy came roaring back after intermission, using a 15-4 opening run to take its first lead of the contest, 44-43 with 15:24 on the clock. Bryan Howard, who finished with 16 points, 11 in the second half, had seven in the run while Searle chipped in with six.
Transy increased its lead behind Searle, Howard, and O'Neal to as many as 10, 75-65, with 2:21 to play and the final margin. The Pioneers' second half run was fueled by some hot shooting as Transy hit 27 of 50 in the period (54 percent) and six of 10 (60 percent) from long range. Transy was also 24 of 29 from the line to just two of eight for Defiance.
Transy had a 31-28 edge on the boards behind Searle's 11 rebounds. It was the sophomore's second double double of the year.
Transy shot 54 percent from the field overall and 40 percent from long range.
Defiance finished with 50.8 percent shooting from the field and 52.2 percent from behind the arc (12 of 12). But Curt Croy, who led Defiance with 13 points in the opening half, managed just five after intermission. Matt Voland and Brett Hammons each scored 13 for Defiance.
Transy will stay in conference action on Saturday, traveling to Anderson for a 3 p.m. contest.