Gary, Ind. -- The Indiana University Northwest women's basketball team could not overcome a slow start in a back and forth contest as the RedHawks lost to Lincoln College, 72-70, at the Savannah Center Wednesday.

Lincoln jumped out to an early 11-0 lead in the first quarter. IUN was able to get right back in the game after Breanna Boles (Lapel, Ind.) scored the next 10 points for the RedHawks to make it 19-15 in favor of the Lynx. 

After an opening basket in the second quarter by LC, IUN went on a 7-0 run after a pair of free throws by Jayla Crump (Kouts, Ind./Kouts), a three-pointer by Boles and a jumper by Lauren Smolen (Crown Point, Ind./Crown Point) gave IUN a 28-26 lead with 7:26 in the half. Lincoln was one step ahead of the RedHawks, closing out the half on a 16-9 run to go ahead 42-37 at the break.

IUN started the second half on a 8-3 run capped off by Smolen to tie the game at 45-45. Back-to-back baskets by Michaela Schmidt (Highland, Ind./Highland) and Sarah Martin (Demotte, Ind./Kankakee Valley) gave the RedHawks a 51-49 lead.

With LC ahead 55-54 with the third quarter winding down, Boles knocked down a three with 11 seconds left to give IUN a 57-55 lead going into the fourth quarter.

Both teams traded leads and were tied most of the fourth quarter. Martin knocked down a jumper with 1:21 left in the game to give the RedHawks a 70-68 lead. 

The RedHawks did not score again the rest of the game as the Lynx scored the last four points of the game. Lincoln College came out on top 72-70.

Boles led the RedHawks in scoring and on the glass as the freshman recorded her first double-double at IUN with 30 points and 12 rebounds. Smolen recorded a double-double as well, scoring 10 points and pulling down 12 rebounds.

Schmidt rounded out the scoring for the RedHawks as the freshman had 15 points.

Erynn Young led the Lynx with 32 points and 12 rebounds.

IUN returns to action Saturday, November 23 as the RedHawks travel to No. 17 St. Xavier starting at 1 p.m. CT.