SOUTH BEND, Ind. — IU Northwest battled through a tight, high-tempo matchup Wednesday night but came up short in an 87–78 loss to IU South Bend.

The RedHawks (3–2, 1–1 CCAC) traded baskets with the Titans throughout a first half that featured 14 ties and 15 lead changes, keeping the game within one possession for the opening 20 minutes. Ladaion Barnes and Trey Steinhilber each connected from long range early, while Amarion Johnson powered through the lane to keep IUN's offense steady.

After trailing 43–41 at the break, IU Northwest struck first in the second half with a Matthew Hoarde layup to tie the game. The teams continued to exchange blows until IU South Bend used a late 10–3 run sparked by Kyle Olagbegi to create separation. Olagbegi finished with a game-high 28 points, repeatedly converting in the paint and at the free-throw line to hold off the RedHawks' final push.

Barnes posted one of his strongest performances of the season, scoring 27 points on 8-of-19 shooting while knocking down six threes. Johnson added 16 points and three rebounds, and Hoarde delivered an all-around effort with 12 points and a team-high eight assists. Steinhilber chipped in 13 points with three threes.

Despite shooting a solid 44.4 percent from the field and 39.3 percent from beyond the arc, IU Northwest was hurt by IU South Bend's interior presence and second-chance scoring. The Titans outscored IUN 48–28 in the paint and collected 26 second-chance points.

The RedHawks return home to host Saint Ambrose on Saturday at 3 p.m. inside the Savannah Center.