Transy (14-3, 6-1 in the HCAC) led 39-36 at halftime, then went on an 18-5 run to open the second period to take a 57-41 advantage. Franklin (12-6, 4-3 HCAC) faced a double digit deficit for most of the second half before closing to within eight, 67-59, with 5:23 to play. Reserve Marc Bain, who scored 11 points off the Transy bench, hit a three to return the lead to 11 with four minutes to go and the Pioneers held on at the free throw line four of eight down the stretch.
Transy won for the ninth time without a loss at the Beck Center, including 4-0 in HCAC play.
The Pioneers entered the game with a one-game lead over the Grizzles, Hanover, and Mount St. Joseph in the HCAC race, which is now at the mid-point.
Center Matt Finke, held without a point for the third time in his career in his last outing, rebounded to score 18 points, 10 in the first half, and grab five rebounds to go with four assists. Nate Valentine contributed eight points off the bench as Transy reserves outscored Franklin, 29-20.
Transy also had a 27-18 edge in three-point goals and hit 22 of 29 free throws to 15 of 24 for the Grizzlies, who were led by Alan Davidson with 20 points and Josh Norris with 15.
Transy connected on 25 of 50 shots from the field for 50 percent while Franklin was at 47.3 percent (26 of 55). But Transy was nine of 19 from long range, compared to six of 13 for the visitors.
The Pioneers open the second portion of the HCAC season on Saturday, hosting Anderson at 3 p.m. at the Beck Center.