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Vincennes University

No. 4 Trailblazers Dominate McDonald’s Classic, Improve to 5–0

No. 4 Trailblazers Dominate McDonald’s Classic, Improve to 5–0
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November 8, 2025

VINCENNES, Ind. — The No. 4 Vincennes University Men's Basketball team continued its dominant start to the 2025–26 season, sweeping the McDonald's Classic with convincing wins over Kennedy-King College (94–55) and Harcum College (83–37) this past weekend at the P.E. Complex. The Trailblazers now stand at 5–0 overall, extending their undefeated run through the opening two weeks of play.

Friday: VU 94, Kennedy-King 55 — Fast Start Fuels Friday Rout

Vincennes opened the weekend with a statement win, storming out to a 49–25 halftime lead and never looking back. The Trailblazers shot a blistering 58.5 percent from the field and held Kennedy-King to just 26.7 percent, while owning the paint with a 58–14 scoring advantage and a 47–28 edge on the glass. VU also shared the ball effectively, recording 22 assists on 38 made field goals.

Sophomore Dayton Williams led four Trailblazers in double figures with 20 points and nine rebounds, showcasing his blend of strength and skill around the basket. Freshman Jevon Guess added 10 points on 5-of-6 shooting, freshman Drae Vasser tallied 10 points and three assists, and freshman Alex Montes provided an efficient 10 points on 4-of-6 shooting, including a pair of threes off the bench. Freshman Michael Ephraim sparked the interior with eight points and three rebounds.

"It was a game where we were able to use our depth all the way down the bench," said NJCAA Hall of Fame Head Coach Todd Franklin. "We built a big early lead and did a lot of the things we wanted to do on the floor. But we've still got to grow up a lot — tomorrow night's game will show where we are. If we don't toughen up, somebody's going to smack us in the mouth."

Hear more from Coach Franklin by clicking here.

Saturday: VU 83, Harcum 37 — Trailblazers Dominate Wire to Wire

The Trailblazers carried that message straight into Saturday night, putting together their most complete effort of the young season in an 83–37 dismantling of perennial power Harcum College. VU dominated from the start, shooting 50.8 percent from the field, while holding Harcum to just 21.1 percent. VU won nearly every major statistical category — including a commanding 52–31 rebounding advantage, 36–16 edge in the paint, and 16–7 margin in second-chance points. VU also dished out 23 assists on 33 made field goals and recorded 8 steals, converting them into 15 fast-break points

Vasser put on a show, recording a 24-point, 10-assist double-double while shooting 10-of-15 from the field and 4-of-8 from three-point range, and adding eight rebounds. Williams followed with another strong outing of 21 points and 11 rebounds, marking his second double-double of the weekend. Prince Ojukwu contributed six points, seven rebounds, and five assists, while Lorenzo Malagnini added seven points and eight boards inside.

"We discussed getting down, toughening up, and handling business — and the guys responded," Franklin said. "I thought we were tougher, sharper, and more focused tonight. We've grown a lot in these five games. We're learning to be the best, toughest version of ourselves, and I thought we were that tonight."

Franklin also praised Vasser's leadership at the point, calling him the missing piece from last year's squad. "If we'd had him healthy last year, I think we'd have won the national title," Franklin said. "You saw tonight why — his poise, command, and control make all the difference. He makes everyone around him better."

VU's defense suffocated Harcum, holding the Bears without a field goal for the first seven minutes of the second half and limiting them to just 16 points after the break. "We could have held them under 20 in both halves," Franklin said. "This wasn't some overmatched team — they're a really good basketball program that had just dominated the night before. But we were locked in. We were really good tonight."

As the Trailblazers move to 5–0, Franklin emphasized continued growth and focus. "We've had a good first couple weeks, but we're still learning who we are," he said. "We'll take a day off, lift Monday morning, and see if we have the right attitude to keep getting better. These games are about finding that edge that defines great teams."

Vincennes will look to keep its unbeaten run intact, heading into their next home contest against Harry S. Truman College on Wednesday, November 12. Tip is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET at the P.E. Complex.

Hear more from Coach Franklin by clicking here.

Join the Journey

As always, fans can keep up with the Vincennes University Men's Basketball squad all year long through a number of ways: