Indiana Northwest opened the RCU Warrior Classic with a commanding 98-68 victory over Cleary University on Friday night at Garth Pleasant Arena. The win propelled Indiana Northwest to an undefeated 3-0 start to the season and showcased their depth and efficiency on both ends of the floor. Indiana Northwest took control early, establishing a 22-point halftime lead, and never looked back. 

Dannie Smith led the RedHawks with an impressive 22 points on 10-of-12 shooting. His presence in the paint was instrumental, as he pulled down 12 rebounds, notching a double-double and helping Indiana Northwest dominate the glass. Smith's defensive rebounding, along with his scoring efficiency, kept Indiana Northwest consistently ahead as Cleary struggled to contain him.

Anthony Taylor provided a scoring boost with 17 points in just 25 minutes, connecting on five free throws and shooting an efficient 5-of-9 from the field, including two three-pointers. Taylor's ability to penetrate the defense opened up the floor, and his accuracy from the charity stripe added to Indiana Northwest's momentum. Meanwhile, Trace Williams contributed across the stat sheet, tallying 12 points, eight assists, and four steals, orchestrating the offense and setting up teammates for high-percentage shots. His four steals showcased his defensive awareness, often translating into quick fast-break points for the RedHawks.

Indiana Northwest's shooting efficiency was a key factor in their dominant performance. The team shot 56.3% from the floor and 50% from beyond the arc, making 11 three-pointers. This accuracy extended into the free-throw line, where they converted 75% of their shots. The RedHawks' offensive balance was also evident, as they scored 48 points in the paint, dominated fast-break opportunities with 22 points, and held a comfortable lead for nearly the entire game.

Cleary University faced difficulties keeping pace with Indiana Northwest's high-energy offense. Shooting only 34.2% from the floor, Cleary struggled to find rhythm. Bennie Crenshaw Jr. was a bright spot, leading his team with 15 points while making all five of his free-throw attempts. Amare Slaughter also contributed off the bench with 11 points, and Chris Williams added eight points and six rebounds. However, the RedHawks' aggressive defense limited Cleary's scoring options, with the team shooting only 17.4% from three-point range.

Indiana Northwest out-rebounded Cleary 49-36, creating multiple second-chance opportunities that kept Cleary from closing the gap. The RedHawks also showcased their depth, with the bench contributing 29 points, led by Caleb Jenkins and Trey Steinhilber, who added 10 points each. Indiana Northwest's largest lead came midway through the second half, extending to 39 points, underscoring their control over the game.

With a decisive win in the first game of the tournament, Indiana Northwest will seek to maintain this momentum as they will play again tomorrow, Saturday, November 9, against the hosts Rochester Christian University. Tip off is scheduled for 12 p.m. CDT in Garth Pleasant Arena. 


Recap by PJ Katona