Trailblazers Flip Script After Halftime Against Logan

VINCENNES, Ind. — The Vincennes University Women's Basketball team turned a competitive first half into a decisive home win Saturday afternoon, pulling away for a 73–45 victory over John A. Logan College at the P.E. Complex to improve to 14–7 overall and 6–1 in Region 24 play, while completing a season sweep of the Volunteers.

The game was tightly contested through the opening half, with the teams locked at 15–15 after the first quarter and VU holding a slim 27–26 advantage at the break. The Trailblazers flipped the game decisively coming out of halftime, erupting for 33 third-quarter points while holding John A. Logan to just five, creating separation that carried through the remainder of the contest.

Sophomore post Dženifera Rieksta and sophomore guard Netala Dixon paced a balanced scoring effort, each finishing with 13 points, with Dixon adding five rebounds, three assists, and two steals, and Rieksta shooting an efficient 6-of-9 from the floor while contributing five rebounds and three assists. Sophomore guard Zion Hayes followed with 12 points and six rebounds, while sophomore forward Taliya Heron recorded a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Sophomore guard Emani Washington also reached double figures, scoring 11 points while knocking down three three-pointers and dishing out five assists.

Offensively, VU played with pace and purpose, finishing with 23 assists on 27 made field goals, a reflection of consistent ball movement and an unselfish approach throughout the lineup. The Trailblazers capitalized on extra possessions and the Volunteers' mistakes, scoring 30 points off 22 John A. Logan turnovers and adding 18 second-chance points, while repeatedly attacking the interior to build a 30–14 advantage in points in the paint.

Defensively, VU set the tone after halftime and steadily took control of the game, holding John A. Logan to just 28.0 percent shooting for the contest. The Trailblazers controlled the glass 46–32 to limit second-chance opportunities. That defensive pressure, combined with paint protection and rebounding discipline, allowed Vincennes to separate and maintain command down the stretch.

First-year Head Coach Nyla Johnson credited her team's response and focus following a sluggish start. "We started out really slow and lackadaisical on both ends of the floor," Johnson said. "But I really challenged them at halftime, because it wasn't about what they were doing — it was about what we were not doing. I'm proud of our kids for responding the way they did."

Johnson emphasized the importance of handling Region 24 games with the proper mindset as the schedule progresses. "We have to take care of what we can take care of," she said. "That means protecting home court and winning the games you're supposed to win. Our kids are committed to winning, and they understand that if you want to compete for a championship, you have to be consistent every night."

With the home win, VU remains firmly in the Region 24 race and turns its attention back to the road. The Trailblazers will travel to face Lincoln Trail College on Wednesday, February 5, with tip-off scheduled for 6:00 p.m. ET. Vincennes won the first meeting between the teams 85–35 on December 13 in Vincennes.

Hear more from Coach Johnson by clicking here.

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