GARY, Ind. – In a tale of two halves, the IU Northwest women's basketball team fell behind by as many as 17 points before storming back in the second half, ultimately falling to St. Francis 63-58 on Wednesday.

The RedHawks managed just seven field goals on 27 attempts in the first half, committing 11 turnovers and scoring a season-low 20 points. National scoring leader Jessica Carrothers was held to 11 points as IU Northwest trailed 37-20 at halftime.

IU Northwest rallied in the third quarter, outscoring the Saints 21-8 to close the gap to 45-41 entering the final period. Senior guard Alyna Santiago hit a 3-pointer to bring the RedHawks within one at 49-48 with 6:53 remaining. Freshman Ava Kingery connected on another 3-pointer moments later, again pulling the RedHawks within one with five minutes left.

Carrothers added a late layup to cut the deficit to one in the final minute, but her potential game-tying 3-point attempt in the closing seconds missed the mark. St. Francis sealed the win by hitting two free throws, finishing a perfect 23-for-23 from the line.

The loss marked just the second of the season for the RedHawks.

IU Northwest shot 36% from the field and 22% from 3-point range (5-for-22). Carrothers led the RedHawks with a game-high 23 points, along with eight rebounds, five assists, and three steals. Tiara Jackson added 14 points, nine rebounds, and two blocks. Kingery provided a spark off the bench with nine points and four rebounds.

The RedHawks (8-2, 2-1 CCAC) return to action Saturday when they travel to Notre Dame, Indiana, to face Holy Cross in a noon CT tipoff.

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