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Vincennes University

Unselfish Offense Powers VU Past Lincoln Trail

Unselfish Offense Powers VU Past Lincoln Trail
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February 4, 2026

ROBINSON, Ill. — The Vincennes University Women's Basketball team earned a hard-fought 68–60 road victory over Lincoln Trail College on Wednesday night, improving to 15–7 overall and 7–1 in Region 24 play. In a physical and tightly contested league matchup, the Trailblazers weathered a third-quarter surge from the Statesmen before closing strong in the final 10 minutes.

VU jumped out to an early 21–9 advantage after the first quarter and carried a 34–25 lead into halftime. Lincoln Trail responded with a 22-point third quarter to take the lead 47-45 entering the fourth, but the Trailblazers answered with poise, outscoring the Statesmen 23–13 in the final frame to secure the eight-point win.

VU placed four in double figures, led by sophomore post Dženifera Rieksta with an efficient 19-point performance, shooting 7-of-8 from the field and adding six rebounds. Sophomore guard Emani Washington followed with 12 points, knocking down four three-pointers, while freshman Jalyn Davidson added 11 points off the bench. Sophomore forward Taliya Heron contributed 10 points and seven rebounds, and sophomore guard Netala Dixon added six points, seven rebounds, and a team-high 10 assists to direct the offense.

As a team, VU shot 41.7 percent from the field, including nine three-pointers, and recorded an assist on all 25 made field goals — a testament to exceptional ball movement, spacing, and unselfish execution throughout the lineup. The Trailblazers also established control inside, building a 28–12 advantage in points in the paint, while winning the rebounding battle 38–23, including a 14–7 edge on the offensive glass.

Defensively, VU converted 18 points off Lincoln Trail turnovers, holding the Statesmen to 38.6 percent shooting, while limiting them to just five second-chance points, reinforcing its defensive discipline and interior presence.

First-year head coach Nyla Johnson acknowledged the challenges of winning on the road in Region 24 play. "It's already hard enough to get wins in this league," Johnson said. "It's harder to get region wins on the road, and we found a way to do it. I'm proud of our kids for that."

Johnson credited Lincoln Trail for executing its game plan and making key shots, while also noting the adversity her team faced throughout the contest. "They put us in some uncomfortable positions and did a good job executing," she said. "But I'm proud of our team. We stayed together the whole time. They were really tough physically and mentally and found a way to win in a difficult environment."

With the road victory, the Trailblazers remain a game behind the top of the Region 24 standings and will return to region action on Saturday, February 7, traveling to face Shawnee Community College at 2:00 p.m. ET. The teams' first scheduled meeting earlier this season was postponed due to weather, setting up their first matchup of the year this weekend.

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