No. 4 Trailblazers Dominate Opener at Kiwanis Classic

VINCENNES, Ind. — The Vincennes University Men's Basketball team tipped off the 2025–26 season in commanding fashion Friday night, defeating Volunteer State Community College 93–57 in their season opener on day one of the Kiwanis Classic at the P.E. Complex, marking a strong start to the new campaign for a team ranked #4 in the NJCAA D1 Men's Basketball Preseason Coaches Poll.

VU set the tone from the opening tip, building an early lead and never looking back. The Trailblazers shot an efficient 54 percent from the field. VU also dominated the boards, while assisting on 25 of 38 made field goals and committing only 13 turnovers. "We came out and kind of established a pace and an energy," said NJCAA Hall of Fame Head Coach Todd Franklin, who is in his 16th season leading the Trailblazers. "They were probably a little bit on their heels early, and we took advantage of that. I thought we did a good job of getting off to a quick start in that way."

Freshman guard Alex Montes made an immediate impression in his collegiate debut, leading all scorers with 23 points on 9-for-12 shooting, including 5-of-6 from three-point range. He also added six rebounds, three assists, two steals, and two blocks. "Montes just kind of plays — he'll fill lanes, jump a passing lane, get a steal, drive it a little bit, shoot a little bit," Franklin said. "He's kind of got a little (Manu) Ginóbili in his game. When he's hitting threes, he's a real problem and can really help our team."

Sophomore guard Dayton Williams, the Trailblazers' leading returning scorer, added 17 points on 8-for-11 shooting, nine rebounds, two assists, two steals, and two blocks, showing steady control on both ends. "Dayton was solid and active all over the floor," Franklin noted. "When his balance is better, he's pretty good going to the basket — and we saw that tonight."

Freshman forward Lorenzo Malagnini made a strong collegiate debut, providing toughness and energy in the paint. The 6-foot-8 forward from Italy finished with 15 points, five rebounds, and two assists in just 23 minutes of action, anchoring VU's interior defense and converting key finishes around the rim. "When we brought Malagnini in, he really helped us," Franklin said. "He gave us a force inside that we needed to have. He's a big, strong guy who will only get better as the season goes on."

Sophomore forward Prince Ojukwu chipped in 12 points on 5-for-11 shooting, pulled down eight rebounds, and dished out four assists in his VU debut to round out the double-figure scoring for the Trailblazers.

With the win, Vincennes now turns its focus to day two of the Kiwanis Classic, continuing in the weekend Homecoming festivities by hosting Columbia State Community College, which was receiving votes in the NJCAA Division I Preseason Coaches Poll, on Saturday, November 1 at 7 p.m. ET at the P.E. Complex. "We'll see a different opponent tomorrow," Franklin said. "It's first-game stuff tonight — now we'll find out how much of it was truly first-game stuff when we face Columbia State."

Hear more from Coach Franklin by clicking here.

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