GARY, Ind. – Indiana Northwest continued its dominant run in CCAC play with an impressive 88-69 win over Calumet (Ind.) on Wednesday night at the Savannah Center. The victory marked the fith straight for the RedHawks (15-4, 9-2 CCAC) and kept them tied for second place in the conference standings, setting up a critical showdown with St. Francis this Saturday for the top spot in the CCAC.

Dannie Smith came off the bench to deliver a game-changing performance, recording 23 points and 11 rebounds. Smith's efficiency was on full display as he connected on 8-of-14 field goals and 7-of-8 free throws, providing a consistent inside presence throughout the game.

The starting lineup was equally productive for the RedHawks. Demarius Splunge scored 18 points on 8-of-9 shooting, combining precision with aggressiveness to lead the team in field-goal percentage. Anthony Taylor added 14 points, dished out four assists, and contributed on both ends with a steal. Trace Williams delivered a well-rounded effort with 10 points, six assists, and five rebounds, while Ladaion Barnes added 10 points, including two three-pointers, to round out Indiana Northwest's balanced scoring attack.

Indiana Northwest took control of the game early, building a 36-26 halftime lead behind suffocating defense and efficient shooting. The RedHawks limited Calumet to just 31.3% from the field in the opening 20 minutes while shooting 46.4% themselves. In the second half, the RedHawks found another gear offensively, shooting a blistering 63.6% from the floor to widen the margin.

The RedHawks dominated the paint, outscoring Calumet 44-20 inside while outrebounding the Crimson Wave 42-34. Second-chance opportunities played a crucial role, as Indiana Northwest tallied 10 points off offensive rebounds and controlled the tempo throughout the contest. The team also capitalized on turnovers, scoring 16 points off 11 miscues by Calumet.

Despite the loss, Calumet (9-9, 4-7 CCAC) showed flashes of resilience, led by Scott Gowan's game-high 24 points on 9-of-12 shooting, including a perfect 4-of-4 from the free-throw line. Hrvoje Majcunic added 12 points and nine rebounds, while Jared Hankins chipped in 10 points off the bench.

Indiana Northwest's win strengthens their position as a legitimate title contender in the CCAC. Now tied for second place, the RedHawks have their sights set on first place as they travel to Joliet, Illinois, on Saturday, January 25, for a pivotal matchup against St. Francis. Both teams are surging in conference play, with Saturday's game expected to determine the outright leader in the standings. Tipoff is set for 3 p.m. CT.

Recap by PJ Katona

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