VU Tops Rend Lake on Blaze to a Community Cure Night

VINCENNES, Ind. — The Vincennes University Women's Basketball team delivered a dominant second-half performance Saturday afternoon, defeating Rend Lake College 86–49 in Region 24 play on Blaze to a Community Cancer Cure Night at the P.E. Complex. The victory improves the Trailblazers to 17–7 overall and 9–1 in region play.

VU weathered a slow start after an extended seven-day layoff, leading just 13–12 after the first quarter. The Trailblazers gradually found rhythm in the second period to take a 31–23 halftime advantage before breaking the game open with a decisive third quarter, outscoring Rend Lake 33–15 to create separation.

Sophomore guard Emani Washington led all scorers with 18 points, knocking down four three-pointers while adding six assists and six steals. Sophomore post Dženifera Rieksta recorded a strong double-double with 14 points and a game-high 12 rebounds, including seven offensive boards. Sophomore forward Taliya Heron continued the Trailblazers' strong interior play, as she added 13 points and five rebounds, and sophomore guard Zion Hayes contributed 12 points and seven assists. Sophomore guard Netala Dixon chipped in 12 points and five rebounds as the Trailblazers placed five players in double figures.

As a team, VU shot 48.1 percent from the field, finishing with 21 assists on 37 made field goals. The Trailblazers dominated inside, scoring 52 points in the paint, in comparison to 26 for Rend Lake. VU held a 43–33 rebounding edge, generating 19 second-chance points off 16 offensive rebounds. Defensively, VU limited Rend Lake to 31.6 percent shooting, forced 17 turnovers, and converted those into 26 points.

First-year Head Coach Nyla Johnson acknowledged the early offensive struggles before crediting her team's adjustments. "When you're off that long, we have to generate offense from our defense," Johnson said. "Early on, we were taking rushed shots instead of working for great ones. At halftime, we talked about not playing into what they wanted and committing to the hard things — getting the ball inside, making them guard multiple actions, and earning good rhythm shots."

Johnson emphasized that the third quarter reflected that shift in approach. "I thought the difference was that we started doing the difficult things," she said. "We got steals, we won 50-50 balls, we offensive rebounded, and we got paint touches. When we do that, everything else opens up for us."

With the region win, the Trailblazers continue to build momentum in Region 24 play. VU will step outside region competition for its next matchup, hosting UC-Clermont on Friday, February 20, at 6:00 p.m. ET inside the P.E. Complex.

Hear more from Coach Johnson by clicking here.

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