LEXINGTON, Ky. – In thrilling fashion, Transylvania University held on to win the 2020 HCAC Men's Basketball Championship over Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology on Sunday, 49-48.

In a nail-biter that came down to the wire, it was the Pioneer defense that held up to secure the championship, and the HCAC's automatic bid to the 2020 NCAA Division III National Championship Tournament. The No. 1 seed transy fought off a tough Anderson University the night prior, while the Fightin' Engineers had a tougher road to the championship.

The No. 6 seed Rose-Hulman knocked off the No. 3 seed Hanover College on Friday night, and turned around on Saturday to knock off the No. 2 Franklin College. The Fightin' Engineers almost achieved the rare feat of three victories in three days, but were narrowly outmatched by the Pioneers.

The HCAC recognized a 2020 HCAC All-Tournament Team and a Tournament MVP. From Anderson, Malik Laffoon was named to the team, while from Franklin, Borden Kennedy earned his way onto the team. From Rose-Hulman, Craig McGee and John Czarnecki were honored for their efforts over the three days. And from Transy, Lucas Gentry was named to the All-Tournament team with Michael Jefferson named the tournament's Most Valuable Player.

The Pioneers earn the HCAC's automatic qualifying bid and will advance to the 2020 NCAA Division III Men's Basketball Championship. For more information on HCAC men's basketball, visit the websites of any of the participating schools, or go to the HCAC's home on the internet at www.heartlandconf.org. Be sure to stay up to date on all of your Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference news by following @HCACDIII on Twitter and by liking the "HCAC DIII" Facebook page.