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Vincennes University

Free Throws Fuel No. 4 VU Past Shawnee

Free Throws Fuel No. 4 VU Past Shawnee
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February 7, 2026

ULLIN, Ill. — The No. 4 Vincennes University Men's Basketball team completed a pivotal road swing Saturday afternoon, earning a 77–60 Region 24 victory over Shawnee Community College to improve to 23–1 overall and 10–1 in conference play. The win capped back-to-back road victories in challenging environments, coming just one week after the Trailblazers suffered their first loss of the season.

After trailing 31–30 at halftime, VU tightened defensively and took control over the final 20 minutes, outscoring Shawnee 47–29 in the second half to pull away late. The Trailblazers relied on toughness, rebounding, and timely free-throw shooting to create separation in a physical contest that tested them deep into the second half.

Following the game, NJCAA Hall of Fame Head Coach Todd Franklin, in his 16th season leading the Trailblazers, emphasized the significance of the week after the program's first loss of the season. "Hard-fought road win today — one we needed," Franklin said. "Coming off our first loss, we knew we had to play tougher and better. Winning at Lincoln Trail and Shawnee this week shows we found something."

VU finished the afternoon shooting 36.7 percent from the field but just 11.5 percent from three-point range (3-of-26). However, the Trailblazers compensated for their perimeter woes by dominating at the free-throw line, converting 30-of-34 (88.2 percent) — a decisive factor in pulling away late. Franklin pointed directly to the free-throw line as a difference-maker. "We've struggled at the line, but tonight we stepped up and showed toughness," Franklin said. "Going 30-for-34 allowed us to pull away late."

Individually, freshman guard Drae Vasser led all scorers with 26 points, connecting on 8-of-18 from the field, 3-of-11 from three-point range, and a perfect 7-of-7 at the free-throw line, while adding four rebounds. Sophomore guard Dayton Williams followed with 15 points, shooting 5-of-13 from the floor and 5-of-6 at the line, while contributing two rebounds, two assists, and two blocks. Off the bench, freshman guard Elijah Lovemore added 12 points, converting 12-of-13 at the stripe, providing a major boost in late-game execution

The Trailblazers also controlled the glass, outrebounding Shawnee 54–27, including a 17–6 edge in offensive rebounds, creating a 14–6 advantage in second-chance points. Freshman forward Jevon Guess delivered a dominant rebounding performance with 18 boards to go along with eight points, anchoring VU's control of possessions.

Franklin highlighted several players who stepped up during a critical stretch in the final 12 to 14 minutes. "I thought we found a group that really fought over the last 12 to 14 minutes," Franklin said. "Elijah and Jevon stepped up big, Dayton was more aggressive, and moving Jalen to the point helped get Drae off the ball."

Franklin added that the response late — both physically and mentally — was the most encouraging sign of the afternoon. "I liked the grit we showed in the second half, especially late," Franklin said. "Hopefully this is something we can build on."

The Trailblazers will return home next for a non-region matchup against Malcolm X College on Saturday, February 14 at 4 p.m. ET inside the P.E. Complex. The contest will also serve as Blaze to a Community Cure Night, a VU Athletics fundraiser supporting cancer-related assistance for individuals and families in the Vincennes community.

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