The IU Northwest Women's Basketball Team (4-0, 2-0 CCAC) defeated the host Viterbo University V-Hawks on Friday afternoon 77-70 despite trailing at the half. The RedHawks got on the board off a
Michaela Schmidt rebound and put back where she was fouled. Schmidt sank both free throws followed by a
Sarah Martin layup to make the score 5-4. Â Schmidt then added a three pointer to tie the game at 7. Viterbo and the RedHawks traded baskets until 20-19 when Viterbo converted a layup to take a three point lead into the 2nd Quarter (22-19).Â
Alyna Santiago rebounded a shot and was fouled while going up early in the 2nd Quarter. Â She made the first of two shots before missing the second. Â Santiago however was able to come down with the rebound of her missed free throw and got a putback basket. Â The RedHawks tied the game at 25 with 8:29 left in the 2nd Quarter, but the host V-Hawks went on a 12-0 run to lead 37-25 with 3:40 left. Santiago and
Katelyn Halfacre combined for back-to-back baskets for the RedHawks and
Karli Miller scored a free throw and a basket to close out the first half scoring for the RedHawks. Â The RedHawks experienced their first halftime deficit of the year 44-32.
The RedHawks came out of the locker room on fire going on a 14-0 run with points from
Sarah Martin,
Tiara Jackson,
Michaela Schmidt, and Makayla Best to take their first lead since 23-22. The RedHawks ended the quarter trailing 54-50.
IU Northwest and Viterbo traded baskets for the first five minutes of the 4th Quarter falling behind by 5 points (63-58) with 5:00 remaining in the game. Two 3 pointers and a field goal by Makayla Best erased the V-Hawks lead and Schmidt added a free throw to put the RedHawks ahead 67-66.
Sarah Martin and another Best three pushed the RedHawks lead to 72-66. Three Martin free throws and two Miller free throws finished the Redhawks scoring.
The RedHawks will be back in action Saturday at 1 P.M. against Dakota State. Â Dakota State is currently receiving votes in the NAIA Top 25 Rankings and beat Iowa Wesleyan 70-48 Friday afternoon.