NOTRE DAME, Ind. — The Indiana Northwest RedHawks extended their winning streak to six games on Saturday, defeating the Holy Cross Saints 77-73 in a thrilling CCAC matchup at McKenna Arena. The victory improved Indiana Northwest's record to 9-1 overall and 4-0 in conference play, further solidifying their strong start to the season.
Anthony Taylor led the charge for the RedHawks with a team-high 18 points on 5-of-9 shooting, including 6-of-7 from the free-throw line. Taylor also grabbed six rebounds and tallied three assists, anchoring Indiana Northwest on both ends of the floor. Trace Williams and Dannie Smith also played pivotal roles, each contributing 17 points. Smith nearly notched a double-double with nine rebounds and added five assists, showcasing his versatility.
The game was a battle from the opening tip, featuring five lead changes and six ties. Holy Cross came out strong in the first half, using sharp three-point shooting to take a 31-29 lead into halftime. Justin O'Neal spearheaded the Saints' attack, finishing with a game-high 23 points and nine rebounds. O'Neal was a perfect 6-for-6 from the free-throw line and added a crucial offensive presence for Holy Cross. Teammates Joey Garwood and Nash Hostetler combined for 21 points and seven rebounds, with Garwood knocking down four three-pointers to keep the Saints within striking distance.
The RedHawks made adjustments at halftime, coming out with renewed focus on attacking the paint and crashing the boards. Indiana Northwest outscored Holy Cross 48-42 in the second half, fueled by 40 points in the paint and 16 second-chance points off 10 offensive rebounds. Jaylen Jennings and Demarius Splunge provided valuable contributions off the bench, combining for 10 points and seven rebounds in limited minutes.
Holy Cross refused to go quietly, cutting an eight-point Indiana Northwest lead down to three in the final minute. Late-game three-pointers by Garwood and Hostetler gave the Saints hope, but the RedHawks maintained their composure. A key defensive rebound by Smith, followed by two clutch free throws from Taylor, sealed the victory for Indiana Northwest.
Defensively, the RedHawks limited the Saints to 39.3% shooting from the field and just 34.4% in the first half. Their ability to control the boards—out-rebounding Holy Cross 35-22—was a major factor in the win. Despite giving up 11 three-pointers, Indiana Northwest's defensive pressure in key moments helped them stay in control.
Indiana Northwest's next challenge comes on Wednesday, December 18, when they travel to face IU Kokomo in another tough road contest. The RedHawks will look to extend their winning streak to seven games as they continue their pursuit of CCAC supremacy. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT.
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Recap by PJ Katona
