GARY, Ind. – In a game that came down to the wire, the Indiana Northwest women's basketball team dropped a heartbreaker, 64-63, to Saint Xavier University in CCAC action Saturday afternoon at the Savannah Center.

The tightly contested matchup was decided in the final seconds, as Saint Xavier's Aaliyahna Derrell was fouled on a layup attempt as the clock hit zero. With the game tied at 63, Derrell calmly stepped to the free-throw line and sank the decisive shot, handing the Cougars (8-4, 4-1 CCAC) a dramatic victory.

Indiana Northwest (9-3, 3-2 CCAC) was led by junior guard Jessica Carrothers, who delivered another standout performance with a game-high 27 points, six rebounds, five assists, and six steals. Carrothers was especially effective in the second and third quarters, helping the RedHawks erase an early double-digit deficit.

Senior forward Tiara Jackson added 13 points and five rebounds, showcasing her consistency in the post despite being limited to 22 minutes. Katelyn Halfacre provided a spark off the bench, knocking down four three-pointers to finish with 12 points.

Saint Xavier opened the game with a 20-9 advantage after the first quarter, powered by efficient shooting from the field. The Cougars extended their lead to 16 early in the second, but the RedHawks clawed their way back, outscoring Saint Xavier 18-14 in the period to head into halftime trailing 34-27.

Indiana Northwest carried its momentum into the second half, erupting for 22 points in the third quarter, including five three-pointers, to take a 49-47 lead into the fourth. Halfacre and Carrothers combined for several clutch baskets, fueling the RedHawks' comeback.

The final quarter saw both teams trade leads, with Indiana Northwest holding a four-point edge at the 8:38 mark. However, Saint Xavier's balanced attack proved critical down the stretch. Derrell finished with 13 points, eight rebounds, and five assists, while Veronica Bafia added 15 points and seven rebounds. Eleanor Harris chipped in 14 points and six boards for the Cougars, who shot 45.6% from the field and 87.5% from the free-throw line.

Despite the loss, the RedHawks forced 14 turnovers and converted them into 22 points. Indiana Northwest also held Saint Xavier to just five three-pointers on 17 attempts, but the Cougars' dominance on the boards (40-30) and second-chance points (11) proved decisive.

Indiana Northwest will look to regroup after the holiday break when they return to action on Saturday, Dec. 30, at 1 p.m. against Indiana University East at home 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