GARY, Ind. – Jessica Carrothers delivered a historic performance Wednesday night, scoring 44 points to lead Indiana Northwest past Indiana South Bend, 77-69, in the CCAC opener at the Savannah Center. Carrothers eclipsed the 1,000-career-point milestone during the game and bolstered her nation-leading scoring average to 35.1 points per game.
The RedHawks (6-1, 1-0 CCAC) overcame a slow start, outscoring the Titans (5-1, 0-1 CCAC) 43-32 in the second half. Carrothers shot an efficient 15 of 25 from the field and a perfect 14 of 14 from the free-throw line, while also contributing seven rebounds, seven assists, and eight steals in an all-around dominant display. The Titans began to double-team her in the second half, but she continued to break down Indiana South Bend's defense despite seeing multiple defenders on nearly every possession.
Tiara Jackson provided a strong inside presence for Indiana Northwest, recording a double-double with 17 points and 16 rebounds. Jackson's physicality on the boards was critical, as the RedHawks held a 26-14 advantage in free-throw attempts, converting 26 compared to the Titans' eight. Katelyn Halfacre added eight points, including two 3-pointers, while Ava Kingery brought much-needed energy off the bench and scored five points.
Indiana South Bend was led by Tenleigh Phelps, who tallied 25 points and nine rebounds, and Aubrie Booker, who scored 20 points on 7-of-9 shooting, including a perfect 6 of 6 from the free-throw line. Booker also grabbed five rebounds off the bench. Jazmen Watts and Bradie Chambers each scored seven points for the Titans. Despite their offensive efforts, Indiana South Bend struggled with turnovers, committing 15, which Indiana Northwest converted into 24 points.
After trailing by three at halftime, the RedHawks surged in the third quarter, outscoring the Titans 19-11 to take the lead. Carrothers scored 10 points in the period, while Indiana Northwest's defense held the Titans to 26.7% shooting.
In the fourth quarter, the RedHawks built a 10-point lead with 8:28 remaining and never looked back. While the Titans attempted a late rally, Indiana Northwest's composure at the free-throw line secured the victory. The RedHawks capitalized on their defensive pressure, limiting Indiana South Bend to 27.8% shooting from beyond the arc and dominating fast-break points, 16-2.
Indiana Northwest will look to remain undefeated in conference play when it takes on Calumet College of St. Joseph on Tuesday, Nov. 26. The game will take place at the Rittenmeyer Center in Whiting, Indiana, with tipoff scheduled for 5 p.m. CST.
Recap by PJ Katona
