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Vincennes University

No. 2 Trailblazers Sweep Connor Basketball Classic

No. 2 Trailblazers Sweep Connor Basketball Classic
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January 3, 2026

COLUMBIA, Tenn. — The No. 2 ranked Vincennes University Men's Basketball team opened the 2026 calendar year with a pair of road victories at Columbia State Community College's Connor Basketball Classic, defeating Roane State Community College on Friday before turning in a dominant performance against host Columbia State on Saturday. With the two wins, the Trailblazers improved to 15–0 overall on the season.

Friday: VU 67, Roane State 56 — Trailblazers Build Early Cushion, Hold Off Late Push

VU opened the Connor Classic on Friday by establishing early control against Roane State, building a 38–22 halftime lead behind physical play and consistent execution. The Trailblazers pushed the margin to as many as 18 points in the second half before Roane State mounted a late run, but VU responded with timely stops to secure the 67–56 win.

The difference came in the possession battle. VU dominated the glass 56–33, repeatedly extending trips and turning 24 offensive rebounds into 20 second-chance points. Defensively, the Trailblazers limited Roane State to 37.7 percent shooting and just 15.8 percent from three-point range, forcing contested looks and preventing any sustained rhythm despite the late push.

Freshman guard Drae Vasser led the opener with 21 points, adding nine rebounds and seven assists to steady the offense throughout the night. Sophomore guard Jalen Calloway followed with 18 points and six rebounds, while sophomore guard Dayton Williams delivered 14 points and a game-high 14 rebounds, finishing strong through Roane State traffic during critical stretches.

Despite the win, NJCAA Hall of Fame and 16th-year Head Coach Todd Franklin made it clear the performance fell short of the program's standard, particularly in sustaining intensity once the lead was established. "I didn't think our intensity and tenacity were where they needed to be," Franklin said. "We got up big in the second half and then lost it a little bit. I obviously wasn't very pleased, even though we still found a way to win."

Saturday: VU 69, Columbia State 38 — Dominant Second Half Fuels Road Rout

VU responded emphatically on Saturday afternoon, delivering one of its most complete performances of the season in a 69–38 win over Columbia State. After a competitive first stanza that featured a halftime score of 33-28, the Trailblazers seized full control by holding the host Chargers to just 10 points after the break, turning defensive pressure into separation.

The contrast was sharp on the defensive end. VU limited Columbia State to 26.9 percent shooting overall and 1-for-11 from three-point range (9.1 percent), eliminating rhythm and forcing low-percentage attempts. The Trailblazers paired that defensive effort with efficient offense, finishing with 23 second-chance points as well as 23 points in transition, consistently capitalizing on Charger miscues.

Vasser again paced the Trailblazers with 23 points, while adding eight assists and seven rebounds in another all-around performance. Calloway followed with 20 points and five assists, continuing strong backcourt play. Sophomore forward Prince Ojukwu rounded out the double-figure scoring, adding 10 points off the bench.

Franklin credited the group's response after Friday's uneven effort, pointing to discipline and defensive focus as the difference. "I was much more pleased with our effort today," Franklin said. "To go on the road and win the way we did against a Columbia State team that was at Hutch last year and aspires to be back there again says a lot. We handled a pressing, trapping team and played a big-time second half, holding them to 10 points. That's a legitimate top-30, top-35 team, and I thought our guys really responded."

Franklin also emphasized the continued growth of the backcourt pairing that drove both wins. "Dre and Jalen continue to play excellent basketball," Franklin said. "That backcourt has really stepped up, and that's important as we move forward."

The win over Columbia State marked the second victory this season over the Chargers, following an earlier 81–68 decision at Vincennes on November 1. With the two wins, the Trailblazers exited the weekend unbeaten and encouraged by the response following Friday's uneven performance. "We're at the midpoint now, 15–0, and we've played three teams that went to Hutch last year," Franklin said. "We've won big games on the road, and I don't think there's any question about our legitimacy at this point. Now we have to flip the script in the second half of the year and keep getting better."

With the first games of 2026 complete, Vincennes now turns its focus back to Region 24 play, returning home to host Shawnee Community College on Wednesday, January 7 at 7 p.m. ET inside the P.E. Complex.

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