Transy (19-4, 10-2 HCAC) saw its eight-game winning streak go by the boards as the Spartans became the first team to defeat the Pioneers since an 86-77 loss at Mt. St. Joseph on Jan. 11. Manchester (7-16, 4-8 HCAC) achieved a season split with the conference leaders.
A win for the Pioneers or a loss by Franklin to Mt. St. Joseph Saturday could have clinched a tie for the conference title. Transy hosts Franklin on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.
Manchester carved out a seven point advantage, 30-23, at intermission as Transy shot just 34 percent (eight of 23), three of 10 from three-point range. Manchester had an 18-12 advantage on the boards while shooting 44 percent (10 of 23).
The Spartans heated up considerably in the final 20 minutes, hitting 11 of 20 shots overall and four of six from long range. Manchester was 21 of 43 for the game and 24 of 35 from the free throw line. Transy shot 41 percent in the second half and 38 percent for the game, just 30 percent (eight of 26) from behind the arc.
Transy was 15 of 18 from the free throw line.
Bryan Howard, who came into the contest just 34 points away from becoming the 39th Pioneer to score 1,000 career points, led Transy with 16 points. Marc Bain was four of seven from three-point range and added 13 points. Matt Finke had 11 points and four rebounds while Joey Searle pitched in five points to go with a game-high 11 rebounds.
Four Spartans were in double figures, led by Wes Gardner's 17 off the bench. Eric Berger also had 13 in a reserve role as the Manchester bench had a 38-17 scoring advantage.
Transy's only lead was 3-0 as Marc Bain opened the contest with a three. Manchester's biggest first half lead was 12, 20-8. Transy tied the game at 32-32 with 16:37 to play, only to see Manchester 12 straight points to take command with 12:16 to go. Manchester's biggest lead was 19, 58-39, 7:33 to go on a pair of Berger free throws.
Transy completes regular season play with two home games next week. Franklin will be the opponent on Wednesday while Defiance comes to the Beck Center next Saturday for a 3 p.m. matchup. Transy's seven seniors will make their final regular season home appearance and will be honored prior to tipoff.
Transy will also host a first-round HCAC tournament game at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 21. The conference's top four team all get first-round home games.