Williams Leads Second-Half Push as No. 4 VU Moves to 24–1

VINCENNES, Ind. — The No. 4 Vincennes University Men's Basketball team overcame a halftime deficit Saturday afternoon, rallying for a 74–63 non-region victory over Malcolm X College on Blaze to a Community Cure Night inside the P.E. Complex. The win moves the Trailblazers to 24–1 overall, as they remain 10–1 in Region 24 play.

VU trailed 36–33 at halftime, struggling to establish consistency on either end against a physical Malcolm X squad tied for first place in NJCAA Region 4. The visitors controlled stretches of the opening half, attacking the paint and forcing the Trailblazers to play from behind for much of the first 20 minutes.

The second half told a different story. VU tightened defensively and found more rhythm offensively, outscoring Malcolm X 41–27 after the break to take control late. The Trailblazers forced tougher looks, limited second chances, and leaned on free-throw execution to gradually create separation.

Following the game, NJCAA Hall of Fame Head Coach Todd Franklin, in his 16th season leading the Trailblazers, acknowledged the challenge of facing an opponent capable of matching intensity. "That's a quality opponent," Franklin said. "They played like a top-25 team against us. Everybody's going to give us their best shot, and they did. We were a little out of culture early and not getting much from our interior."

"We finally got our feet under us in the second half," Franklin said. "I'm proud of the group that was in there late. We kept searching until we found guys who would stand up and fight."

VU finished the afternoon shooting only 39.3 percent from the field and 25.0 percent from three-point range, but made a difference at the free-throw line, converting 20-of-28 (71.4 percent). The Trailblazers also controlled the glass with a 39–30 rebounding advantage, including 13 offensive rebounds, and held Malcolm X to 63 points despite the visitors shooting 44.0 percent overall.

Individually, sophomore guard Dayton Williams delivered his eighth double-double of the season with 26 points and 12 rebounds, shooting 9-of-19 from the field and 7-of-8 at the line. Sophomore guard Drae Vasser was the only other Trailblazer in double figures, as he added 19 points, including three triples. Sophomore forward Prince Ojukwu pulled down 11 rebounds to anchor interior possessions

Franklin noted Williams' growth within the flow of the game. "Dayton was a little wild early, but he settled down and played within himself in the second half," Franklin said. "When he does that, he gives us exactly what we need."

With the victory, VU prepares for another significant Region 24 challenge. The Trailblazers will host Lake Land College on Wednesday, February 18 at 7 p.m. ET inside the P.E. Complex — a rematch of one of their toughest games of the season. VU needed overtime to defeat Lake Land 93–84 on January 14, in a physical contest that tested the Trailblazers' poise deep into extra time.

Franklin emphasized that the upcoming matchup will demand a higher level from his group. "That was one of the hardest games we've played all year," Franklin said. "They're tough, they're physical, and they're well-coached. We're going to have to be sharper and more disciplined than we were today."

Hear more from Coach Franklin by clicking here.

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