Franklin, Ind. - The Franklin College men's basketball team used a furious late rally to get within two points, but Transylvania University held on for a 78-71 victory in Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) action on Wednesday inside the Spurlock Center.

Transylvania (12-10, 9-6 HCAC) held a 45-23 lead after the opening 20 minutes. The lead stretched to 25 points, 48-23, in the first minute of the second half.

Franklin scored 11 straight points to get within 48-34 after a layup by freshman Jim Mace (Brazil, Ind./Northview) with 16:40 left. Transylvania led by 18 points, 63-45, with 8:31 remaining.

The Grizzlies began to chip away at the deficit. A three-point play by sophomore Aaron Mann (Indianapolis, Ind./Howe) brought the hosts within 71-61 with 3:04 left.

A three-point field by sophomore Brandon Scruggs (Royal Center, Ind./Pioneer) cut the margin to seven points, 73-66, at the 1:54 mark.

After a missed three pointer by Transylvania, Mann connected on a three-point field to bring Franklin within four points, 73-69, with 39 seconds left.

The Pioneers turned the ball over and Mann made a layup with 32 seconds left to cut the margin to 73-71.

Transylvania's Parker Stansberry made two free throws to extend the lead to 75-71. Franklin missed a layup on its next possession. Three free throws for Transylvania in the final 19 seconds secured the victory.

Mann led Franklin with 23 points. Mace added 16 points, while junior Trae Washington (Bloomington, Ind./Bloomington South) scored 12 points.

Jones scored a game-high 29 points for Transylvania. Stansberry chipped in 13 points.

Franklin returns to action on Saturday, February 14, at 3 p.m. when it travels to Earlham College in Richmond, Indiana. Live statistics and video of the game will be available.