GARY, Ind. — IU Northwest opened its home schedule in dominant fashion Friday afternoon, defeating Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College 104–94 to kick off the RedHawk Classic inside the Savannah Center.

The RedHawks (1–1) fired on all cylinders from start to finish, showcasing offensive efficiency and balance across the roster. IU Northwest shot 56.7 percent from the field and 40 percent from beyond the arc while controlling the tempo in transition and converting 28 free throws to secure the triple-digit win and give the Pomeroys their first loss of the season. 

After trading baskets early, IU Northwest surged ahead behind a 12–2 first-half run sparked by Ladaion Barnes and Caleb Jenkins. The RedHawks carried that momentum into the break with a 49-42 tight lead. In the second half, Jenkins continued to attack off the dribble while Trey Steinhilber and Amarion Johnson added key scoring stretches to maintain control.

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods made several pushes in the closing minutes, but the RedHawks responded each time — including a late sequence where Jenkins hit a pull-up jumper and Barnes sank a corner three to silence the Pomeroys' rally.

"This was the response we needed," Head Coach Javier Heridia said. "Our guys stayed composed, shared the ball, and trusted the game plan. We played unselfish basketball, and that's what it's going to take to be successful all season."

The win marks IU Northwest's first 100-point performance of the year, highlighting the offensive versatility and depth that Heridia has emphasized in his tenth season at the helm.

The RedHawks return to action Saturday, Nov. 8, for Day 2 of the RedHawk Classic, facing IU Columbus at 2:30 p.m. inside the Savannah Center.