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Vincennes University

Trailblazers Outlast Danville in Road Battle

Trailblazers Outlast Danville in Road Battle
Box Score
November 18, 2025

DANVILLE, Ill. — The Vincennes University Women's Basketball team showed its toughness and depth Tuesday night, edging Danville Area Community College 73–71 in a physical road test to move to 4–1 overall. The Trailblazers, who are now receiving votes in the latest NJCAA Division I Coaches Poll, overcame a week-long layoff and key lineup adjustments to earn their third straight win.

Vincennes traded blows early with the Jaguars, leading 17–16 after the first quarter before stretching the margin to five at halftime. Danville surged in the third period with a 25-point frame to swing momentum, but VU responded with poise, closing the game in the final possession to escape with the two-point victory. The Trailblazers shot an efficient 48.3 percent from the field, including 50 percent (6-for-12) from beyond the arc, and consistently attacked off the dribble, turning downhill drives into 42 points in the paint — the biggest difference in the game. VU also added nine second-chance points.

Sophomore Emani Washington logged some of her best action of the early season with 13 points and nine rebounds, while freshman Aniya Lawrence delivered her first career double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds, providing steady interior presence in the absence of sophomore center Dženifera Rieksta (injury). Freshman Lazarie Daniel stepped up with 12 points on 5-of-8 shooting, and sophomore Taliya Heron added 10 points, four rebounds, and three assists in an all-around effort.

First-year head coach Nyla Johnson praised her team's resilience in what she described as a "gut-check game," noting the challenge of playing after a full week without competition. "We were in a really tough position after being off for a week," Johnson said. "We needed the rest, but it comes with a little bit of rust. Our kids are competitors — they love to compete — so being off for that long showed early. But I was really proud of how they responded in the second half."

Johnson credited her freshmen for continuing to elevate the program's level of play, especially during crucial moments late in games. "Our freshmen keep getting us out of really tight situations," she said. "Aniya was great on both ends, and Lazarie brings a different level of composure and toughness that we've been missing. They're growing step by step, day by day, and they're giving us so much energy."

VU's defensive effort rounded out the win, as they held Danville to 37.9 percent shooting overall and 26.7 percent from three-point range. The Trailblazers also controlled the glass with a 44–28 rebounding advantage, limiting Danville to one shot on most trips. "We had people step up who usually don't, and they were ready when their name was called," Johnson added. "That just shows the depth and togetherness of our team. We'll go back to the drawing board, fix what needs fixing, and get ready for what's ahead."

Vincennes will now turn its attention to its toughest challenge of the season to date, hitting the road once again to face No. 3 nationally ranked Three Rivers College on Saturday, November 22, at 3 p.m. ET in Poplar Bluff, Missouri.

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