PARK HILLS, Mo. -- The Vincennes University Men’s Basketball team coasted to its eighth straight win to open the season on Friday night.

The No. 6 Trailblazers ran past Roane State in the opening night of the Chris Morrison State Farm Thanksgiving Classic, 101-69.

VU led 49-27 at the break and extended its lead throughout the second half.

Keith Clemons paced a trio of Trailblazers with 20 points.

George Dixon added a career-high 19 and Lony Francis, Jr. finished with 17 points.

“I thought our three sophomores did a nice job of leading us tonight,” VU coach Todd Franklin said of his three top scorers.

Freshman Cardell McGee continued his stellar play as he finished in double figures with 10 points, while Colton Sandage (8) and Kevin Kangu (7) combined for 15 points.

VU (8-0) wraps up tournament play, on Saturday, by taking on Fort Scott in the first game at 4pm (EST).

“I’m interested in seeing how the team responds to a quick turnaround,” Franklin said.

NOTE: A complete box score was not immediately made available following the game.

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VICKIE PUFFER, Communications Coordinator & Online Newsroom Manager

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VINCENNES UNIVERSITY, Department of University Relations, www.vinu.edu/news/newsroom