Vasser’s 40 Points Lead No. 10 Trailblazers Past Olney Central

VINCENNES, Ind. — The No. 10 Vincennes University Men's Basketball team delivered a strong offensive performances Wednesday night, defeating Olney Central College 108–68 in Region 24 play inside the P.E. Complex to improve to 26–2 overall and 12–2 in region action.

VU controlled the game from the opening minutes, building a 55–37 halftime advantage before continuing to extend the margin throughout the second half. The Trailblazers combined efficient shooting with defensive pressure and transition scoring to steadily separate, outscoring Olney Central 53–31 after the break to secure the 40-point victory.

Following the game, NJCAA Hall of Fame Head Coach Todd Franklin, in his 16th season leading the Trailblazers, emphasized that the focus remains on execution rather than margin of victory. "We just need to keep getting better and keep executing," Franklin said. "If we play well, we're as good as anybody. At 26–2 after playing the schedule we've played, there aren't many teams in the country that can say that."

Freshman guard Drae Vasser delivered a career performance, finishing with a game-high 40 points, connecting on 7-of-15 from three-point range while adding seven rebounds and seven assists to lead the offensive surge. Sophomore guard Jalen Calloway followed with 27 points, knocking down 5-of-7 from beyond the arc, while sophomore guard Dayton Williams contributed 14 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and six steals.

Franklin noted the impact of offensive spacing and player roles within the current rotation. "I think we've found the right formula for how we want to play moving forward," Franklin said. "We've got guys in the best spots for what they do well. When everyone understands their role and executes it, we're hard to guard."

Freshman guard Elijah Lovemore continued his late-season emergence with 13 points on 5-of-6 shooting, providing energy on both ends and helping maintain tempo throughout the second half. Franklin highlighted Lovemore's continued growth as a key development. "As a freshman, you keep getting a little better and a little better," Franklin said. "When your opportunity comes, you've got to seize it, and Elijah has done that. He gives us effort defensively and brings a punch we needed."

As a team, VU shot 51.4 percent from the field and 44.1 percent from three-point range, converting 15-of-34 from beyond the arc while recording 17 assists on 37 made baskets. The Trailblazers also dominated possession battles with a 43–30 rebounding advantage, including 18 offensive rebounds, leading to 20 second-chance points.

VU's defensive pressure translated directly into offense, forcing 16 Olney Central turnovers and turning those opportunities into 24 points, while also holding a commanding 19–3 edge in transition scoring.

Franklin added that continued growth from the interior positions will remain important as postseason play approaches. "We need our five men to keep growing into what their job is," Franklin said. "They're going to get opportunities around the basket because of how teams defend our guards. Now it's about finishing those plays."

The Trailblazers now turn their attention to another significant and final Region 24 road test of the season, traveling to Wabash Valley College on Saturday, February 28 at 8 p.m. ET. VU defeated the Warriors 69–60 in the first meeting this season on January 24, but Franklin expects another demanding challenge. "That's a dangerous team," Franklin said. "They've been playing well, and it's a tough place to play. Everyone is right on top of you, and you've got to grind it out down there. We'll need to take this momentum on the road and win a big one."

Hear more from Coach Franklin by clicking here.

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