HUTCHINSON, Kan. - The Vincennes University men’s basketball team flexed some muscle and reminded everyone about its status as a national powerhouse on Saturday.

The Trailblazers handled Ranger 87-77 to win the NJCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship. The Blazers won their fourth national championship and first since 1972.

In their first national title game appearance since 1986, VU jumped out to a 23-5 start and the Trailblazers showed off their school colors of blue and gold on national television. In the process, VU Men's Basketball Coach Todd Franklin cemented his place in the history of one of the nation’s top programs.

After the Trailblazers were awarded the championship trophy and cut down the nets at Hutchinson Sports Arena, Franklin was named Coach of the Tournament and freshman Kevin Osawe was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.  Sophomores Keith Clemons and Kevin Kangu were named to the 12-player All-Tournament Team.

The Trailblazers are four-time national champions. They won national titles in 1965, 1970, 1972 and 2019.

VU holds the record for most national championship appearances with 34. They Trailblazers also hold the record for most consecutive tournament appearances in the modern era of junior college basketball. This was their seventh straight trip to the national tournament.

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Vincennes University Newsroom
Vincennes University Trailblazer Athletics

MARCIA MARTINEZ, Sports Information Director & University Life Reporter
   812-888-4164 office, 314-599-1519 cell, VUNews@vinu.edu, mmartinez@vinu.edu
VINCENNES UNIVERSITY, Department of University Relations, www.vinu.edu/news/newsroom