Chicago, Ill. -- The Indiana University Northwest women's basketball team was unable to overcome a slow start offensively and struggled defensively near the perimeter.  The Lakers (3-11, 2-6 CCAC) defeated the RedHawks (6-8, 3-5 CCAC), 63-58, at the Goodman Center in Chicago, Illinois, Wednesday. 

Roosevelt led 10-8 early in the opening quarter. The Lakers then outscored IUN 13-4 the rest of the period to have a 23-12 lead after the first quarter. 

The RedHawks opened up the second quarter with back-to-back baskets by Ashley O'Malley (Crown Point, Ind.) and Da'Leshia Davis (Fort Wayne, Ind./Carroll) to make it 23-16. The Lakers went into the halftime break up 41-28.

Looking to cut it close in the second half but Roosevelt took total control of the third quarter. Roosevelt led by 14 (55-41) after the end of the third period. 

IUN cut it to 59-55 with 2:36 left in the game after a basket by Michaela Schmidt (Highland, Ind./Highland). After Roosevelt responded with a bucket, O'Malley made it a four point game (61-58) with 43 seconds left.

The Lakers were able to hold off the RedHawks after knocking down a pair at the line. The RedHawks held Roosevelt to 13% shooting in the fourth.

Roosevelt defeated IUN 63-58.

Smolen led the way with a double-double with 12 points and 15 rebounds. O'Malley recorded 14 points and grabbed eight rebounds for the RedHawks. 

IUN has some time off for Christmas Break before returning to action Monday, December 30 as the RedHawks travel to Huntington to take on the Foresters starting at 5 p.m. CT.