GARY, Ind. – Indiana Northwest men's basketball came up just short in a thrilling battle at the Savannah Center on Saturday, falling 95-93 to Saint Xavier University in a pivotal CCAC matchup.

The RedHawks (9-3, 4-1 CCAC) led 93-88 with 1:23 remaining, but the Cougars (8-3, 4-1 CCAC) stormed back with a 7-0 run in the final moments. Julian Barr delivered the decisive blow, hitting a three-pointer with 5.8 seconds left to lift Saint Xavier to victory.

Indiana Northwest battled back from an 11-point halftime deficit after trailing 51-40 at the break. The RedHawks surged in the second half, outscoring the Cougars 53-44 behind standout performances from their top players. Dannie Smith had a game-high 30 points on 10-for-19 shooting and added six rebounds. Trace Williams delivered another strong all-around effort with 25 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists, while Demarius Splunge dominated the glass with a double-double, finishing with 15 points and 12 rebounds.

Despite the late lead, missed opportunities at the free-throw line and key defensive lapses down the stretch proved costly. Indiana Northwest shot 53.0% from the field but hit just 19 of 33 free-throw attempts (57.6%).

Saint Xavier's Andre Brandon led his team with 21 points and six rebounds, while Davion Lawrence provided a spark off the bench, scoring 20 points. The Cougars' reserves outscored the RedHawks' bench 41-7, a significant factor in the outcome.

The loss marked the second straight for Indiana Northwest, but the team will have a chance to bounce back after the holiday break. The RedHawks will host Indiana Tech on Dec. 30 at 3 p.m. in the Savannah Center.

Keep up with all the latest updates on Indiana Northwest Athletics by following @IUNRedHawks on X and Instagram.

Recap by PJ Katona