Robinson, Ill. – The Vincennes University Lady Trailblazers jumped back into the NJCAA Division Top-25 this week, coming in at No. 24 and VU did not disappoint as they picked up the 88-74 Region 24 win over Lincoln Trail Monday night.
VU got off to a hot start, scoring the first seven points of the game. The rest of the first quarter was more evenly played as the seven-point advantage stuck, 23-16.
The Trailblazers had to play most of this game even more short-handed than they already were, as sophomore Reeva Hammelman exited the game early in the first quarter with an ankle injury, forcing Hall of Fame Head Coach Harry Meeks to play nearly the entire game with just nine players.
Vincennes rallied in the second quarter as the Lady Blazers built on their lead and extended it to 14 points at the break, heading into the locker room up 45-31.
The double-digit lead would hold for nearly all of the second half, as the Lady Statesmen's comeback attempts would only result in a few small scoring runs but never managed to cut the lead any lower than seven points.
VU held an 18-point advantage heading into the final period before Lincoln Trail would attempt a fourth-quarter comeback.
LTC was able to cut into the lead slightly, winning the fourth quarter 24-20, but it wasn't enough as the Lady Trailblazers picked up their fourth win of the season and win number 695 Harry Meeks as Head Coach to the Lady Blazers.
VU was led offensively by sophomore Amani Brown who put on a show in the second half, scoring 19 of her 24 points in the final two quarters.
Sophomore Alexis Radcliff had a career day Monday, finishing with 20 points and five rebounds.
Radcliff was on the receiving end of many assists from fellow sophomore Shaila Beeler. Beeler ended her night with 12 points and a team-high seven assists.
Freshman Trinitee Harris stepped in to replace the injured Hammelman and answered the call, finishing with 13 points and seven rebounds.
Freshman Noni Russell rounds out the Lady Blazers scorers in double-figures, reaching 10 points, eight of which coming in the first half.
Vincennes had their offense going all night as the VU shot a stellar 60-percent from the floor in the first half and 53-percent for the game.
Trailblazer sophomore Nina Blade controlled the boards all game as well, finishing with a team-high 11 rebounds, six points and one block.
Vincennes will have a quick turnaround as the Blazers host John A. Logan Wednesday, Feb. 10, as part of a men's/women's basketball double-header. The Lady Blazers will get the day started at 5 p.m. eastern.