2 Gerard Thomas
Gerard Thomas
  • Height:
    6-1
  • Weight:
    205
  • Year:
    Fr.
  • Hometown:
    Henderson, KY
  • High School:
    Henderson County
  • Position:
    G
  • gp
    27
  • pts/g
    3.8
  • fg %
    37.9
  • 3pt %
    35.5
  • ft %
    69.0
  • reb/g
    1.7
  • a/g
    1.6
Recent games
Date Opponent Result
Mar 2 at Wabash Valley College W, 78-51
Mar 5 Kaskaskia College W, 84-65
Mar 11 vs. Lincoln Trail College W, 80-54
Mar 13 vs. John A. Logan College W, 84-68
Mar 15 vs. Wabash Valley College W, 73-67
Mar 26 vs. Odessa College L, 58-56
Season Statistics
  Overall Conference
Games 27 -
Games started - -
Minutes 27 -
Minutes per game 1.0 -
FG 36-95 0-0
FG Pct 37.9 -
3PT 11-31 0-0
3PT Pct 35.5 -
FT 20-29 0-0
FT Pct 69.0 -
Off rebounds 13 -
Def rebounds 33 -
Total rebounds 46 -
Rebounds per game 1.7 -
Personal fouls 39 -
Disqualifications 2 -
Assists 44 -
Turnovers 39 -
Assist to turnover ratio 1.1 -
Steals 15 -
Blocks 2 -
Points 103 0
Points per game 3.8 -
Points per 40 min 152.6 -
Game Log - Shooting
Date Opponent Score gs min fg pct 3pt pct ft pct pts
Oct 8 Lincoln Trail College   - - - - - - - - -
Oct 8 Rend Lake College   - - - - - - - - -
Oct 8 VU Jamboree   - - - - - - - - -
Oct 15 at Midwest Jamboree   - - - - - - - - -
Oct 27 Danville Area Community College   - - - - - - - - -
Nov 3 Schoolcraft College W, 86-45 - 1 0-2 0.0 0-2 0.0 0-1 0.0 0
Nov 4 Columbia State Community College W, 65-52 - 1 0-4 0.0 0-2 0.0 0-0 - 0
Nov 10 Richard J. Daley College W, 100-43 - 1 0-3 0.0 0-1 0.0 2-2 100.0 2
Nov 11 Monroe College W, 84-66 - 1 0-0 - 0-0 - 0-0 - 0
Nov 14 Kankakee Community College W, 86-62 - 1 0-1 0.0 0-0 - 0-0 - 0
Nov 16 Malcolm X College W, 91-57 - 1 1-2 50.0 0-1 0.0 0-0 - 2
Nov 18 Indian Hills Community College W, 86-76 - 1 0-3 0.0 0-1 0.0 1-2 50.0 1
Nov 24 vs. State Fair Community College W, 78-69 - - - - - - - - -
Nov 25 at Moberly Area Community College W, 76-67 - 1 0-1 0.0 0-1 0.0 0-0 - 0
Dec 2 Elgin Community College W, 104-58 - 1 5-9 55.6 1-1 100.0 8-12 66.7 19
Dec 8 at Indian Hills Community College L, 80-75 - 1 7-9 77.8 2-2 100.0 0-0 - 16
Dec 9 vs. Sauk Valley Community College W, 81-79 - 1 0-3 0.0 0-0 - 1-2 50.0 1
Dec 16 at Shawnee Community College W, 82-66 - 1 2-6 33.3 1-2 50.0 1-2 50.0 6
Dec 20 Southwest Tennessee Community College W, 95-61 - 1 7-10 70.0 2-2 100.0 0-0 - 16
Jan 6 at Malcolm X College W, 100-76 - - - - - - - - -
Jan 10 at Lake Land College W, 90-67 - 1 2-4 50.0 0-0 - 1-2 50.0 5
Jan 13 John A. Logan College W, 87-80 - 1 2-3 66.7 0-0 - 0-0 - 4
Jan 17 at Southwestern Illinois College W, 69-61 - 1 1-9 11.1 0-4 0.0 0-0 - 2
Jan 20 at Olney Central College L, 73-72 - 1 1-2 50.0 0-0 - 2-2 100.0 4
Jan 24 Lincoln Trail College W, 88-55 - 1 0-4 0.0 0-1 0.0 0-0 - 0
Jan 27 Wabash Valley College W, 80-62 - 1 1-1 100.0 1-1 100.0 0-0 - 3
Jan 31 at Kaskaskia College W, 72-52 - - - - - - - - -
Feb 7 Shawnee Community College W, 67-62 - 1 0-3 0.0 0-1 0.0 0-0 - 0
Feb 10 Lake Land College W, 66-58 - 1 3-5 60.0 2-4 50.0 0-0 - 8
Feb 17 at John A. Logan College L, 72-71 - 1 0-2 0.0 0-0 - 0-0 - 0
Feb 21 Southwestern Illinois College W, 88-57 - 1 0-1 0.0 0-1 0.0 2-2 100.0 2
Feb 24 Olney Central College W, 87-79 - 1 0-0 - 0-0 - 0-0 - 0
Feb 28 at Lincoln Trail College W, 93-52 - 1 2-2 100.0 0-0 - 2-2 100.0 6
Mar 2 at Wabash Valley College W, 78-51 - 1 2-6 33.3 2-4 50.0 0-0 - 6
Mar 5 Kaskaskia College W, 84-65 - - - - - - - - -
Mar 11 vs. Lincoln Trail College W, 80-54 - - - - - - - - -
Mar 13 vs. John A. Logan College W, 84-68 - - - - - - - - -
Mar 15 vs. Wabash Valley College W, 73-67 - 1 0-0 - 0-0 - 0-0 - 0
Mar 26 vs. Odessa College L, 58-56 - - - - - - - - -
Game Log - Ball control
Date Opponent Score gs min off def reb ast to stl blk
Oct 8 Lincoln Trail College   - - - - - - - - -
Oct 8 Rend Lake College   - - - - - - - - -
Oct 8 VU Jamboree   - - - - - - - - -
Oct 15 at Midwest Jamboree   - - - - - - - - -
Oct 27 Danville Area Community College   - - - - - - - - -
Nov 3 Schoolcraft College W, 86-45 - 1 0 1 1 5 1 1 0
Nov 4 Columbia State Community College W, 65-52 - 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
Nov 10 Richard J. Daley College W, 100-43 - 1 1 0 1 4 1 0 0
Nov 11 Monroe College W, 84-66 - 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 0
Nov 14 Kankakee Community College W, 86-62 - 1 0 1 1 0 2 0 0
Nov 16 Malcolm X College W, 91-57 - 1 0 0 0 1 2 0 0
Nov 18 Indian Hills Community College W, 86-76 - 1 1 0 1 0 4 1 0
Nov 24 vs. State Fair Community College W, 78-69 - - - - - - - - -
Nov 25 at Moberly Area Community College W, 76-67 - 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 0
Dec 2 Elgin Community College W, 104-58 - 1 1 2 3 2 3 0 0
Dec 8 at Indian Hills Community College L, 80-75 - 1 1 3 4 1 1 0 0
Dec 9 vs. Sauk Valley Community College W, 81-79 - 1 0 1 1 3 1 2 0
Dec 16 at Shawnee Community College W, 82-66 - 1 2 0 2 3 0 0 0
Dec 20 Southwest Tennessee Community College W, 95-61 - 1 0 2 2 5 5 1 1
Jan 6 at Malcolm X College W, 100-76 - - - - - - - - -
Jan 10 at Lake Land College W, 90-67 - 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 1
Jan 13 John A. Logan College W, 87-80 - 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
Jan 17 at Southwestern Illinois College W, 69-61 - 1 1 6 7 3 3 2 0
Jan 20 at Olney Central College L, 73-72 - 1 2 3 5 6 3 1 0
Jan 24 Lincoln Trail College W, 88-55 - 1 2 2 4 2 2 0 0
Jan 27 Wabash Valley College W, 80-62 - 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
Jan 31 at Kaskaskia College W, 72-52 - - - - - - - - -
Feb 7 Shawnee Community College W, 67-62 - 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 0
Feb 10 Lake Land College W, 66-58 - 1 0 2 2 3 1 0 0
Feb 17 at John A. Logan College L, 72-71 - 1 0 3 3 1 3 1 0
Feb 21 Southwestern Illinois College W, 88-57 - 1 0 2 2 1 1 0 0
Feb 24 Olney Central College W, 87-79 - 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Feb 28 at Lincoln Trail College W, 93-52 - 1 0 2 2 1 1 1 0
Mar 2 at Wabash Valley College W, 78-51 - 1 2 2 4 2 1 0 0
Mar 5 Kaskaskia College W, 84-65 - - - - - - - - -
Mar 11 vs. Lincoln Trail College W, 80-54 - - - - - - - - -
Mar 13 vs. John A. Logan College W, 84-68 - - - - - - - - -
Mar 15 vs. Wabash Valley College W, 73-67 - 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Mar 26 vs. Odessa College L, 58-56 - - - - - - - - -
Game Log - Ball control extended
Date Opponent Score gs pf dq a/to
Oct 8 Lincoln Trail College   - - - -
Oct 8 Rend Lake College   - - - -
Oct 8 VU Jamboree   - - - -
Oct 15 at Midwest Jamboree   - - - -
Oct 27 Danville Area Community College   - - - -
Nov 3 Schoolcraft College W, 86-45 - 1 - 5.0
Nov 4 Columbia State Community College W, 65-52 - 0 - 0.0
Nov 10 Richard J. Daley College W, 100-43 - 3 - 4.0
Nov 11 Monroe College W, 84-66 - 1 - 0.0
Nov 14 Kankakee Community College W, 86-62 - 1 - 0.0
Nov 16 Malcolm X College W, 91-57 - 5 1 0.5
Nov 18 Indian Hills Community College W, 86-76 - 1 - 0.0
Nov 24 vs. State Fair Community College W, 78-69 - - - -
Nov 25 at Moberly Area Community College W, 76-67 - 0 - -
Dec 2 Elgin Community College W, 104-58 - 5 1 0.7
Dec 8 at Indian Hills Community College L, 80-75 - 2 - 1.0
Dec 9 vs. Sauk Valley Community College W, 81-79 - 0 - 3.0
Dec 16 at Shawnee Community College W, 82-66 - 1 - -
Dec 20 Southwest Tennessee Community College W, 95-61 - 0 - 1.0
Jan 6 at Malcolm X College W, 100-76 - - - -
Jan 10 at Lake Land College W, 90-67 - 3 - 0.0
Jan 13 John A. Logan College W, 87-80 - 1 - 0.0
Jan 17 at Southwestern Illinois College W, 69-61 - 3 - 1.0
Jan 20 at Olney Central College L, 73-72 - 1 - 2.0
Jan 24 Lincoln Trail College W, 88-55 - 1 - 1.0
Jan 27 Wabash Valley College W, 80-62 - 1 - -
Jan 31 at Kaskaskia College W, 72-52 - - - -
Feb 7 Shawnee Community College W, 67-62 - 1 - -
Feb 10 Lake Land College W, 66-58 - 2 - 3.0
Feb 17 at John A. Logan College L, 72-71 - 3 - 0.3
Feb 21 Southwestern Illinois College W, 88-57 - 1 - 1.0
Feb 24 Olney Central College W, 87-79 - 0 - -
Feb 28 at Lincoln Trail College W, 93-52 - 0 - 1.0
Mar 2 at Wabash Valley College W, 78-51 - 2 - 2.0
Mar 5 Kaskaskia College W, 84-65 - - - -
Mar 11 vs. Lincoln Trail College W, 80-54 - - - -
Mar 13 vs. John A. Logan College W, 84-68 - - - -
Mar 15 vs. Wabash Valley College W, 73-67 - 0 - -
Mar 26 vs. Odessa College L, 58-56 - - - -
  gp min/g fg/g 3pt/g ft/g ppg
2023-24 27 1.0 1.3-3.5 0.4-1.1 0.7-1.1 3.8
Total 27 1.0 1.3-3.5 0.4-1.1 0.7-1.1 3.8

Career Stats: Shooting per game

  gp gs min fg pct 3pt pct ft pct pts
2023-24 27 - 27 36-95 37.9 11-31 35.5 20-29 69.0 103
Total 27 - 27 36-95 37.9 11-31 35.5 20-29 69.0 103

Career Stats: Shooting totals

  gp min min/g fg/40 3pt/40 pct ft/40 pts/40
2023-24 27 27 1.0 53.3-140.7 16.3-45.9 35.5 29.6-43.0 152.6
Total 27 27 1.0 53.3-140.7 16.3-45.9 35.5 29.6-43.0 152.6

Career Stats: Shooting per 40 min

  gp off/g def/g reb/g ast/g to/g stl/g blk/g
2023-24 27 0.5 1.2 1.7 1.6 1.4 0.6 0.1
Total 27 0.5 1.2 1.7 1.6 1.4 0.6 0.1

Career Stats: Ball control per game

  gp gs pf dq a/to
2023-24 27 - 39 2 1.1
Total 27 - 39 2 1.1

Career Stats: Ball control totals

  gp off/40 def/40 reb/40 ast/40 to/40 stl/40 blk/40
2023-24 27 19.3 48.9 68.1 65.2 57.8 22.2 3.0
Total 27 19.3 48.9 68.1 65.2 57.8 22.2 3.0

Career Stats: Ball control per 40 min

  gp min/g fg/g 3pt/g ft/g ppg
Event            
Total 27 1.0 1.3-3.5 0.4-1.1 0.7-1.1 3.8
Conference - - 0.0-0.0 0.0-0.0 0.0-0.0 -
Exhibition - - 0.0-0.0 0.0-0.0 0.0-0.0 -
Location            
Home 16 1.0 1.2-3.2 0.4-1.1 0.8-1.2 3.6
Away 9 1.0 1.9-4.6 0.6-1.4 0.7-0.9 5.0
Neutral 2 1.0 0.0-1.5 0.0-0.0 0.5-1.0 0.5
Result            
Wins 24 1.0 1.2-3.4 0.4-1.2 0.8-1.1 3.5
Losses 3 1.0 2.7-4.3 0.7-0.7 0.7-0.7 6.7
Month            
November 8 1.0 0.1-2.0 0.0-1.0 0.4-0.6 0.6
December 5 1.0 4.2-7.4 1.2-1.4 2.0-3.2 11.6
January 6 1.0 1.2-3.8 0.2-1.0 0.5-0.7 3.0
February 6 1.0 0.8-2.2 0.3-1.0 0.7-0.7 2.7
March 2 1.0 1.0-3.0 1.0-2.0 0.0-0.0 3.0

Splits Stats: Shooting per game

  gp gs min fg pct 3pt pct ft pct pts
Event                    
Total 27 - 27 36-95 37.9 11-31 35.5 20-29 69.0 103
Conference - - - 0-0 - 0-0 - 0-0 - 0
Exhibition - - - 0-0 - 0-0 - 0-0 - 0
Location                    
Home 16 - 16 19-51 37.3 6-18 33.3 13-19 68.4 57
Away 9 - 9 17-41 41.5 5-13 38.5 6-8 75.0 45
Neutral 2 - 2 0-3 0.0 0-0 - 1-2 50.0 1
Result                    
Wins 24 - 24 28-82 34.1 9-29 31.0 18-27 66.7 83
Losses 3 - 3 8-13 61.5 2-2 100.0 2-2 100.0 20
Month                    
November 8 - 8 1-16 6.3 0-8 0.0 3-5 60.0 5
December 5 - 5 21-37 56.8 6-7 85.7 10-16 62.5 58
January 6 - 6 7-23 30.4 1-6 16.7 3-4 75.0 18
February 6 - 6 5-13 38.5 2-6 33.3 4-4 100.0 16
March 2 - 2 2-6 33.3 2-4 50.0 0-0 - 6

Splits Stats: Shooting totals

  gp min min/g fg/40 3pt/40 pct ft/40 pts/40
Event                
Total 27 27 1.0 53.3-140.7 16.3-45.9 35.5 29.6-43.0 152.6
Conference - - - 0.0-0.0 0.0-0.0 - 0.0-0.0 -
Exhibition - - - 0.0-0.0 0.0-0.0 - 0.0-0.0 -
Location                
Home 16 16 1.0 47.5-127.5 15.0-45.0 33.3 32.5-47.5 142.5
Away 9 9 1.0 75.6-182.2 22.2-57.8 38.5 26.7-35.6 200.0
Neutral 2 2 1.0 0.0-60.0 0.0-0.0 - 20.0-40.0 20.0
Result                
Wins 24 24 1.0 46.7-136.7 15.0-48.3 31.0 30.0-45.0 138.3
Losses 3 3 1.0 106.7-173.3 26.7-26.7 100.0 26.7-26.7 266.7
Month                
November 8 8 1.0 5.0-80.0 0.0-40.0 0.0 15.0-25.0 25.0
December 5 5 1.0 168.0-296.0 48.0-56.0 85.7 80.0-128.0 464.0
January 6 6 1.0 46.7-153.3 6.7-40.0 16.7 20.0-26.7 120.0
February 6 6 1.0 33.3-86.7 13.3-40.0 33.3 26.7-26.7 106.7
March 2 2 1.0 40.0-120.0 40.0-80.0 50.0 0.0-0.0 120.0

Splits Stats: Shooting per 40 min

  gp off/g def/g reb/g ast/g to/g stl/g blk/g
Event                
Total 27 0.5 1.2 1.7 1.6 1.4 0.6 0.1
Conference - - - - - - - -
Exhibition - - - - - - - -
Location                
Home 16 0.3 0.8 1.1 1.5 1.6 0.4 0.1
Away 9 0.9 2.2 3.1 1.9 1.4 0.8 0.1
Neutral 2 0.0 0.5 0.5 1.5 0.5 1.0 0.0
Result                
Wins 24 0.4 1.0 1.4 1.5 1.3 0.5 0.1
Losses 3 1.0 3.0 4.0 2.7 2.3 0.7 0.0
Month                
November 8 0.3 0.4 0.6 1.3 1.5 0.5 0.0
December 5 0.8 1.6 2.4 2.8 2.0 0.6 0.2
January 6 0.8 1.8 2.7 1.8 1.7 0.8 0.2
February 6 0.0 1.5 1.5 1.2 1.0 0.5 0.0
March 2 1.0 1.0 2.0 1.0 0.5 0.0 0.0

Splits Stats: Ball control per game

  gp gs pf dq a/to
Event          
Total 27 - 39 2 1.1
Conference - - - - -
Exhibition - - - - -
Location          
Home 16 - 24 2 1.0
Away 9 - 15 - 1.3
Neutral 2 - 0 - 3.0
Result          
Wins 24 - 33 2 1.1
Losses 3 - 6 - 1.1
Month          
November 8 - 12 1 0.8
December 5 - 8 1 1.4
January 6 - 10 - 1.1
February 6 - 7 - 1.2
March 2 - 2 - 2.0

Splits Stats: Ball control totals

  gp off/40 def/40 reb/40 ast/40 to/40 stl/40 blk/40
Event                
Total 27 19.3 48.9 68.1 65.2 57.8 22.2 3.0
Conference - - - - - - - -
Exhibition - - - - - - - -
Location                
Home 16 12.5 30.0 42.5 60.0 62.5 15.0 2.5
Away 9 35.6 88.9 124.4 75.6 57.8 31.1 4.4
Neutral 2 0.0 20.0 20.0 60.0 20.0 40.0 0.0
Result                
Wins 24 16.7 40.0 56.7 60.0 53.3 21.7 3.3
Losses 3 40.0 120.0 160.0 106.7 93.3 26.7 0.0
Month                
November 8 10.0 15.0 25.0 50.0 60.0 20.0 0.0
December 5 32.0 64.0 96.0 112.0 80.0 24.0 8.0
January 6 33.3 73.3 106.7 73.3 66.7 33.3 6.7
February 6 0.0 60.0 60.0 46.7 40.0 20.0 0.0
March 2 40.0 40.0 80.0 40.0 20.0 0.0 0.0

Splits Stats: Ball control per 40 min

News mentions
No. 4 Vincennes wins District Championship, Osei-Bonsu tournament MVP
No. 4 Vincennes wins District Championship, Osei-Bonsu tournament MVP

INA, Ill. – The No. 4-ranked Vincennes University Trailblazers punched their ticket to the 2024 NJCAA Division I National tournament Friday night by winning over Wabash Valley College 73-67 to claim VU’s first District tournament championship since 2018. VU sophomore Michael Osei-Bonsu (Bolingbrook, Ill.) also took home some hardware of his own, earning tournament MVP honors after scoring 56 points and grabbing 36 rebounds over the three-game tournament. Vincennes Hall of Fame Head Coach Todd Franklin also received the 2023-24 NJCAA Division I Region 24 Coach of the Year award Friday night.

Early scoring run leads to big win for No. 5 Trailblazers at Wabash Valley
Early scoring run leads to big win for No. 5 Trailblazers at Wabash Valley

MT. CARMEL, Ill. – The No. 5-ranked Vincennes University Trailblazers appear to be rounding into form as of late and Saturday night’s 78-51 victory at Wabash Valley College was no exception. The Trailblazers jumped on the host Warriors early with the help of a 16-1 scoring run and were able to cruise through the second half to pick up the 27-point victory. VU got off to a fast start Saturday night at Wabash Valley, working the ball inside and finding open outside shots to put together a 16-1 scoring run to jump out to a big 20-6 lead over the Warriors early in the first half.

Defense allows No. 5 Trailblazers to cruise to big Region 24 road win at Lincoln Trail
Defense allows No. 5 Trailblazers to cruise to big Region 24 road win at Lincoln Trail

ROBINSON, Ill. – The Vincennes University men’s basketball team jumped up three spots in this week’s NJCAA Division I National rankings, getting back into the top-five at No. 5 this week. VU’s first test since getting back into the top five was a short road trip to Robinson, Ill. to face off against the Lincoln Trail College Statesmen. The Trailblazers were able to hold the Statesmen offense a bay, allowing just 52 points as VU came away with the wire-to-wire 93-52 victory.

Thomas scores 31 as No. 8 Trailblazers win first-place battle with Olney Central
Thomas scores 31 as No. 8 Trailblazers win first-place battle with Olney Central

VINCENNES, Ind. – Vincennes University freshman Lebron Thomas (Bishopville, S.C.) came through for the Blazers when they needed him the most Saturday night, hitting 11 of 12 second half free throws to help the No. 8-ranked VU Trailblazers pick up an 87-79 victory over Olney Central College. With this win, the Trailblazers now move in front of the Blue Knights, gaining a half-game lead over Olney Central for the top spot in the Region 24 standings. The Trailblazers were also without Hall of Fame Head Coach Todd Franklin Saturday night, who was serving a one game suspension after being ejected from Wednesday night’s win over Southwestern Illinois.

No. 8 Trailblazers bounce back in a big way with wire-to-wire win over SWIC
No. 8 Trailblazers bounce back in a big way with wire-to-wire win over SWIC

VINCENNES, Ind. – The Vincennes University Trailblazers were looking for a bounce back win in a big way Wednesday night after falling in overtime on the road last Saturday and falling to No. 8 in this week’s NJCAA Division I National Rankings. The Trailblazers came out looking to make a statement against the Southwestern Illinois College Blue Storm inside the Physical Education Complex and were able to come away with a very strong wire-to-wire 88-57 win. Vincennes got off to a quick start Wednesday night, jumping out to a 9-2 lead early in the game.

No. 4 Trailblazers fall in overtime thriller at John A. Logan
No. 4 Trailblazers fall in overtime thriller at John A. Logan

CARTERVILLE, Ill. – The No. 4-ranked Vincennes University Trailblazers hit the road Saturday afternoon for another tough Region 24 matchup against the defending NJCAA Division I National Champion John A. Logan Volunteers. The Trailblazers looked to be rolling towards another victory midway through the second half holding a 57-42 lead over the Vols, before the Volunteers turned it on late and rode the crowd’s momentum to a 72-71 overtime victory over the Blazers. VU looked to have possibly turned a corner early on Saturday afternoon against the Volunteers, opening the game by scoring nine of the first 12 points to hold an early six point lead.

No. 5 Trailblazers ride fast start to Region 24 win over Lake Land
No. 5 Trailblazers ride fast start to Region 24 win over Lake Land

VINCENNES, Ind. – The No. 5-ranked Vincennes University Trailblazers made a few changes to the starting lineup Saturday afternoon against Lake Land College from Mattoon, Ill. and the Blazers jumped out to an early 16 point first half lead. The Lakers battled back to cut the deficit to six at halftime but the Trailblazers were able to go wire-to-wire to pick up the 66-58 victory over Lake Land. VU got off to an excellent start Saturday afternoon, scoring the first seven points of the game and later using a 10-0 scoring run to build a 20-4 advantage midway through the first half.

No. 5 Trailblazers battle from behind to pick up Region 24 win over Shawnee
No. 5 Trailblazers battle from behind to pick up Region 24 win over Shawnee

VINCENNES, Ind. – The Vincennes University Trailblazers climbed back into the top-five in this week’s NJCAA Division I National rankings, moving up one spot to No. 5. The Blazers looked to be off to a quick start Wednesday night when VU hosted Shawnee Community College from Ullin, Illinois, but quickly fell behind after going cold offensively late in the first half. Trailing by as many as 11 in the second half, the Trailblazers battled their way back to pick up a 67-62 victory over the Saints.

No. 8 Trailblazers control the glass in first place showdown with Wabash Valley College
No. 8 Trailblazers control the glass in first place showdown with Wabash Valley College

VINCENNES, Ind. – The No. 8-ranked Vincennes University Trailblazers headed into Saturday night’s game with Wabash Valley College locked in a three-way tie for the top spot in the Region 24 standings with the Warriors and Olney Central College. VU looked to answer the call and close out the week strong in this first place matchup Saturday night in the Physical Education Complex and were able to ride a 48-22 rebounding advantage to an 80-62 victory over Wabash Valley. The Trailblazers came out of the gates strong and ended up nearly going wire-to-wire over the Warriors, using an early 11-2 scoring run to take a quick 11-4 lead before growing the lead to double digits at 19-8.

No. 8 Blazers use big second half to pick up Region 24 win over Lincoln Trail
No. 8 Blazers use big second half to pick up Region 24 win over Lincoln Trail

VINCENNES, Ind. – The Vincennes University Trailblazers slid five spots in this week’s NJCAA Division I National Rankings after falling at Olney Central Saturday night to No. 8 this week. The Trailblazers got their first opportunity to bounce back and hopefully resume their climb up the polls Wednesday night against Region 24 rival Lincoln Trail College from Robinson, Ill. After a slow start the Blazers rode a big 54-point second half to pull away late to claim the 88-55 victory over the Statesmen.

No. 3 Trailblazers fall for first time in Region 24 play at Olney Central
No. 3 Trailblazers fall for first time in Region 24 play at Olney Central

OLNEY, Ill. – The No. 3-ranked Vincennes University Trailblazers hit the road Saturday night for another tough Region 24 road matchup, this time coming against the Blue Knights of Olney Central College. VU looked to have gained control over this game in the first half and was able to ride the momentum swings of the second half to hold a late 70-63 lead before a string of miscues allowed the Blue Knights to come away with the 73-72 victory. Vincennes looked to take control of the game early, scoring the first four points of the contest Saturday night, before trading baskets with the Blue Knights.

No. 3 Trailblazers pick up tough Region 24 road win at Southwestern Illinois
No. 3 Trailblazers pick up tough Region 24 road win at Southwestern Illinois

BELLEVILLE, Ill. – The Vincennes University Trailblazers continued to climb in the National Rankings this week, moving up one spot to No. 3 in this week’s NJCAA Division I rankings. The Blazers faced a tough defensive battle Wednesday night in their first test with this new ranking against Southwestern Illinois College. The Blazers fell behind early but were able to battle back and pick up the 69-61 victory over the Blue Storm.

No. 4 Trailblazers continue to roll after Region 24 win over John A. Logan College
No. 4 Trailblazers continue to roll after Region 24 win over John A. Logan College

VINCENNES, Ind. – The No. 4-ranked Vincennes University Trailblazers hit the home floor for the first time in 2024, facing a tough Region 24 test in defending NJCAA Division I National Champion John A. Logan College. The Trailblazers built up an early first half lead, the Volunteers battled back in the second half before the Blazers ultimately pulled away late to pick up the 87-80 victory over John A. Logan. VU got off to a good start offensively Saturday afternoon, taking an early 16-11 lead and later using a 9-0 scoring run to take a 25-14 advantage over the Volunteers.

No. 4 Trailblazers control the glass en route to Region 24 road win at Lake Land
No. 4 Trailblazers control the glass en route to Region 24 road win at Lake Land

MATTOON, Ill. – The Vincennes University Trailblazers moved up two spots in this week’s NJCAA Division I National Rankings to No. 4 in the country. The Blazers got their first opportunity to defend this new ranking Wednesday night at Lake Land College in Mattoon. Vincennes controlled the rebounding game all night to the tune of 47 rebounds and 22 offensive rebounds in a 90-67 victory over the host Lakers.

Big first half by Ryan Oliver leads No. 6 Trailblazers to win over Southwest Tennessee
Big first half by Ryan Oliver leads No. 6 Trailblazers to win over Southwest Tennessee

VINCENNES, Ind. – The No. 6-ranked Vincennes University Trailblazers hit the floor for the final time in 2023 Wednesday night when the Blazers hosted Southwest Tennessee Community College in the Physical Education Complex. VU rode a big first half scoring run to a big 95-61 victory over the Saluqis, aided by 17 first half points by sophomore Ryan Oliver (Antioch, Tenn.). The Trailblazers got off to a fast start over Southwest Tennessee, outscoring the Saluqis 31-7 in the early part of the first half to take a big 31-9 lead.

No. 6 Trailblazers open Region 24 play with road win at Shawnee
No. 6 Trailblazers open Region 24 play with road win at Shawnee

ULLIN, Ill. – The Vincennes University Trailblazers checked in this week at No. 6 in the NJCAA Division I National rankings and hit the road Saturday afternoon for their first Region 24 game of the season at Shawnee Community College. The Trailblazers got off to a great start but needed a second half rally to pull away from the Saints and pick up an 82-66 victory in Ullin. Vincennes came out of the gates strong against the Saints, scoring the first nine points of the game before Shawnee answered back with a 10-2 scoring run to cut the deficit to one.

No. 3 Trailblazers suffer first setback of the season in overtime at No. 14 Indian Hills
No. 3 Trailblazers suffer first setback of the season in overtime at No. 14 Indian Hills

OTTUMWA, Iowa – The No. 3-ranked Vincennes University Trailblazers faced another tough road matchup Friday night, facing another ranked NJCAA Division I opponent, their fourth of the year, in a rematch against No. 14-ranked Indian Hills Community College. The Trailblazers won the first matchup between these two teams earlier this season in Vincennes, but IHCC was able to even the score in Iowa, coming away with an 80-75 victory over the Blazers in overtime. The host Warriors got off to a very fast start in front of their home crowd, quickly building a 16-4 lead over the Blazers and expanding their lead to 15 midway through the first half.

Damarien Yates buzzer beater earns Franklin 700th career win
Damarien Yates buzzer beater earns Franklin 700th career win

OTTUMWA, Iowa – Vincennes University Hall of Fame Head Coach Todd Franklin earned his 700th career victory as an NJCAA Head Coach Saturday night with the No. 3-ranked Trailblazers pulling off a last second comeback and winning at the buzzer 81-79 over Sauk Valley Community College. Franklin becomes the 25th men’s basketball head coach to win 700 games at the Junior College level and is one of eight active NJCAA Head Coaches to achieve this milestone in any Division. Franklin’s career coaching record sits at 700 wins and 176 losses over 27 seasons, recording 330 wins at Southeastern Illinois Community College and 370 wins and counting at Vincennes University.

No. 4 Trailblazers get five in double-figures to roll past Elgin
No. 4 Trailblazers get five in double-figures to roll past Elgin

VINCENNES, Ind. – The No. 4-ranked Vincennes University Trailblazers finished their game Saturday night with five scorers in double-figures in a big 104-58 win over Elgin Community College. The Trailblazers got off to a bit of a slow start, after scoring the first five points of the game, VU played the Spartans even to hold a 16-11 advantage early in the first half. Vincennes broke the game wide open after this point with a massive 19-0 scoring run to take a 35-11 lead over Elgin.

Osei-Bonsu’s big double-double gives short-handed No. 5 Trailblazers win at No. 12 Moberly Area
Osei-Bonsu’s big double-double gives short-handed No. 5 Trailblazers win at No. 12 Moberly Area

MOBERLY, Mo. – The No. 5-ranked Vincennes University Trailblazers faced another tough test Saturday night, closing out the 2023 Moberly Area Community College Thanksgiving Classic against host and No. 12-ranked Moberly Area. The Trailblazers led throughout most of the game but found themselves in a back-and-forth battle in the second half before pulling away at the end to pick up the 76-67 victory over the Greyhounds. Vincennes got off to a running start over the host Greyhounds Saturday night, scoring the first seven points of the game and later building a 23-9 lead midway through the first half of play.

No. 5 Trailblazers battle through adversity to win over No. 7 Indian Hills
No. 5 Trailblazers battle through adversity to win over No. 7 Indian Hills

VINCENNES, Ind. – The No. 5-ranked Vincennes University Trailblazers closed out their seven-game home stand to begin the 2023-24 season with a big NJCAA Division I showdown with No. 7-ranked Indian Hills Community College Saturday night at the P.E. Complex. The Trailblazers played a large majority of the game without freshman guard Lebron Thomas (Bishopville, S.C.) but were aided by 24 points by sophomore Ryan Oliver (Antioch, Tenn.), matching his career-high, to win over the Warriors 86-76. Vincennes got off to an excellent start in front of the home crowd, using an 11-3 scoring run early in the first half to take a 19-8 lead.

Thomas scores 29 as No. 5 Trailblazers win over Malcolm X College
Thomas scores 29 as No. 5 Trailblazers win over Malcolm X College

VINCENNES, Ind. – The No. 5 ranked Vincennes University Trailblazers hosted the middle game of their three-game home stand this week as VU hosted Malcolm X College from Chicago, Ill. in the Physical Education Complex Thursday night. The Trailblazers defeated the Hawks 91-57 behind 29 big points by freshman Lebron Thomas (Bishopville, S.C.), including 18 points in the first half. Vincennes got off to a good start Thursday against Malcolm X, jumping out to an early 9-4 lead, before the Hawks came back to cut the VU lead down to one after converting a four-point play.

No. 5 Trailblazers get five in double figures in win over Kankakee
No. 5 Trailblazers get five in double figures in win over Kankakee

VINCENNES, Ind. – The Vincennes University men’s basketball team moved up one spot in this week’s NJCAA Division I National rankings to No. 5 and got their first chance to defend this new ranking against Kankakee Community College Tuesday night. The Trailblazers had all five starters score in double figures as the Blazers finished off an 86-62 victory over the visiting Cavaliers. Vincennes got off to a great start in front of the home crowd, scoring eight of the first nine points of the game and building a 13-5 early lead over Kankakee.

No. 6 Trailblazers pick up early season statement win over No. 25 Monroe College
No. 6 Trailblazers pick up early season statement win over No. 25 Monroe College

VINCENNES, Ind. – The No. 6-ranked Vincennes University Trailblazers closed out another big weekend of games with an early season NJCAA Division I Top-25 matchup with the No. 25-ranked Monroe College Mustangs from New Rochelle, New York in the final game of the 2023 McDonald’s Classic. The Trailblazers got off to an excellent start Saturday night, breaking away early in the first half with an 11-0 scoring run to take a 15-5 lead. VU would use another 10-0 scoring run later in the first half to increase their lead to 20 at 28-8 midway through the opening period.

Pair of double doubles leads to big win for No. 6 Trailblazers
Pair of double doubles leads to big win for No. 6 Trailblazers

VINCENNES, Ind. – The No. 6-ranked Vincennes University Trailblazers tipped off another big weekend of NJCAA basketball at the Physical Education Complex Friday night with the first night of the 2023 McDonald’s Classic. The host Trailblazers got the weekend started strong with a big 100-43 victory over Richard J. Daley College, aided by a 14-point, 19-rebound double-double by sophomore Michael Osei-Bonsu (Bolingbrook, Ill.) and a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double by sophomore Karyiek Dixon (Enfield, London, UK). VU got off to a great start and set the tone early against the Bulldogs, using a big 17-1 scoring run in the first half to take a 38-9 lead.

No. 6 Trailblazers connect from long range in win to close out Kiwanis Classic
No. 6 Trailblazers connect from long range in win to close out Kiwanis Classic

VINCENNES, Ind. – The No. 6-ranked Vincennes University Trailblazers connected on 12 three-pointers Saturday night at the Physical Education Complex in route to a 65-52 victory over Columbia State Community College in the final game of the 2023 Kiwanis Classic. The Trailblazers got off to a slow start in a very defense-heavy first half, with VU able to grab an 8-5 lead before later fully breaking away with a 9-0 scoring run to take a 25-14 advantage. Columbia State would answer back before the end of the first half however, using a quick 5-0 run to cut the VU lead back down to six, before sophomore Kent King (Washington, D.C.) closed out the first half with a steal and a buzzer beating three to give the Blazers a 31-22 lead heading into the locker room.

No. 6 Trailblazers tip-off season with wire-to-wire win at Kiwanis Classic
No. 6 Trailblazers tip-off season with wire-to-wire win at Kiwanis Classic

VINCENNES, Ind. – The Vincennes University men’s basketball team started off the 2023-24 season Friday night at the Physical Education Complex as the No. 6-ranked team in the country and more than lived up to that billing after defeating Schoolcraft College 86-45. The Blazers set the tone early in the season opener, scoring the first seven points of the game and quickly building a 23-9 lead midway through the first half. Vincennes would continue to build on this big lead with an 11-0 scoring run to take a 36-13 advantage, before adding on more before the end of the first half to head into the locker room holding a 42-17 lead over the visiting Ocelots.