Upland, Ind. - IU Northwest Men's Basketball tipped of their 2022-23 campaign looking to build on the success of last season that earned them a trip to the 2022 NAIA National Tournament.

The RedHawks opened their season on the road with a non-conference affair at Taylor on Saturday and despite a quick start by IUN, hot shooting by the Trojans would allow Taylor to lead by our points at the half. 51-47.  The RedHawks jumped out to an early 12 point lead in the first half as a Brian Hernandez three-point field goal gave IUN the early 19-7 early advantage. IU Northwest shot a respectable 44% from the floor, however were just 3-23 from long range on the afternoon.Taylor would stay hot and continue to shoot a high percentage in the second half to extend the margin and eventually earn a 87-72 victory.

Taylor converted on a blistering 58% (30-51) shooting from the field and had an answer for each RedHawk run as IUN tried to keep pace with the Trojans. Taylor's hot shooting also included 41% from long range (7-17) with a perfect 4-4 in the second half.

IU Northwest was led by Jared Johnson and Isaac Stanback with 17 points each. Lamarius Lillard added 12 points and a team high 8 rebounds. Hernandez and Malik MIller chipped in 9 points each for the RedHawks. 

IU Northwest (0-1) will return to action this Wednesday, November 2 when they travel to No. 16 IU Kokomo (2-0) for a IU regional rivalry with the Cougars. Tip-off is set for 6:30 p.m. CST / 7:30 p.m. local/EDT.