GARY, Ind. – A strong defensive effort helped lift the Indiana University Northwest women's basketball team to a 65-59 victory over St. Francis Saturday afternoon in the CCAC season finale.
 
The win pushed the RedHawks to a 22-6 regular season record and 16-3 in league play and the second seed in the upcoming CCAC Tournament. IUN hosts Holy Cross in the first round Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.
 
IUN's defense held USF to 28 percent (21-of-73) from the field and 7-for-37 from beyond the three-point arc. Reigning conference player of the year Jordan Pyle, meanwhile, was held to a 7-for-24 shooting afternoon.
 
The RedHawks didn't take control of the contest until late when Tiara Jackson hit a bunny with 1:40 remaining to push the advantage to 59-51. Then a minute later Jackson would score again down low to put the game out of reach.
 
In all, Sarah Martin led the way with 16, while Michaela Schmidt added 15 and Jackson closed the day with 12 points and 14 rebounds. Katelyn Halfacre, meanwhile, finished with 13 off the bench on 4-of-7 shooting.