KOKOMO, Ind. -- The Indiana University Northwest men's basketball team used a balanced team effort as the RedHawks had four players reach double figures to lead the way in defeating Indiana University Kokomo, 71-62, at the Student Activities and Events Center, Wednesday. 

RECORDS
IU Northwest (2-0) | IU Kokomo (1-1) 

IU NORTHWEST LEADERS
Points: Brian Hernandez (20)
Rebounds: Jared Johnson (9), Tromon Weston (8)
Assists: Marshaud Watkins (4)
Blocks: Tromon Weston (2)
Steals: Damond Crosby (4)

HALF BREAKDOWN
1st Half: IU Northwest 30, IU Kokomo 22
2nd Half: IU Kokomo 42, IU Northwest 42
Final Score: IU Northwest 72, IU Kokomo 64

GAME RECAP
It was close to start out the game with IU Northwest leading 9-8 before Damond Crosby made a layup and Jerron Tatum nailed a three to make it 14-8.

IUK was able to keep it close at the 5:40 mark after making it a three-point deficit (20-17). Brian Hernandez converted a huge and-one for the RedHawks on their next possession to make it back up to six. 

Moments later, Tatum gave the RedHawks their biggest lead of the half after hitting a three-pointer which made it 28-17 with 3:44 left in the half. The Cougars scored a basket as time was expiring in the first half to make it an eight-point game (30-22) at the break.

That basket to end the half for the Cougars carried momentum into the second as IUK went on a 9-2 run to start out to pull within one. Tromon Weston and Hernandez responded for the RedHawks to give them a 36-32 lead with 14:02 left in the game.

IU Kokomo bounced back to make a basket and made a three-pointer to grab their first lead (37-36) since the Cougars led 6-4. Hernandez responded yet again for the RedHawks with another three to make it 40-39 with 11:24 left.

It was tied at 53-all with 5:10 left in the game.  Larry Lynch and Jared Johnson made back-to-back layups to make it a 57-53 lead for IU Northwest.

Hernandez pretty much sealed it for the RedHawks after making a three which made it 60-53 at the 3:55 mark. The Cougars looked to come back but IU Northwest was one step ahead, holding onto their lead.

The Cougars made it as close as seven but Johnson and Hernandez made layups to make it back up to nine. IU Northwest came out on top 72-64.

UP NEXT

• IU Northwest returns to action Saturday, November 6 as the RedHawks travel to Indiana Tech for a non-conference contest starting at 4 p.m. CT.