MATTOON, Ill. – The Vincennes University Trailblazers jumped up six spots in the latest NJCAA Division-I rankings this week to No. 18 and continued their winning ways with a strong 78-69 road win at Lake Land College Wednesday night.

The first half was a battle at the start, with both teams only able to gain five-point leads midway through the first 20 minutes of play.

Lake Land held a 29-26 lead late in the first half, before the Blazers went on a 12-2 scoring run to close the first half, heading into the break with a 38-31 advantage.

Sophomore Christian Wells and freshman Brevin Jefferson got the VU offense rolling early, with Wells in double-figures with 10 and Jefferson with seven at the break.

Vincennes increased the intensity coming out of the locker room, as the Trailblazers grew their lead to as many as 12 points early in the final period.

The VU inside presence of Justin Archer and Christian Wells came together in the second half, both in the scoring column and on the boards, with the duo posting double-doubles.

Lake Land attempted to make a late run but were only able to close the gap to nine points as the Trailblazers finished off their third win in a row by the score of 78-69.

Justin Archer led the Blazers with 23 points and 12 rebounds, with 19 of his points coming in the final 20 minutes of play.

Christian Wells finished with 19 points and 11 rebounds, as well as three assists.

Randy Tucker ended his night with nine points, four rebounds and three assists and DJ Brewton ran the Blazer offense most of the second half to finish with six points, seven rebounds, five assists and three steals.

Vincennes will now turn their attention to Lincoln Trail as VU will host the Statesmen Saturday, March 13. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. eastern. The Trailblazers fell to Lincoln Trail 82-79 in Robinson earlier this season.

The Trailblazers improve to 11-4 on the season with a 7-4 record in Region 24 play.