GARY, Ind. — IU Northwest capped off an impressive opening weekend with a decisive 78–61 victory over IU Columbus on Saturday afternoon inside the Savannah Center to close out the RedHawk Classic.

The RedHawks (2–1) showcased a balanced attack and defensive poise, jumping out to an early lead behind back-to-back threes from Ladaion Barnes and Caleb Jenkins and never looking back. Matthew Hoarde powered through the lane for consecutive buckets that pushed IU Northwest's lead to double digits midway through the first half.

IU Northwest's defensive pressure kept the Crimson Pride off balance, forcing turnovers that quickly turned into transition points. The RedHawks closed the half on a 9–3 burst capped by a Jenkins jumper to take a 44–28 lead into the locker room.

The RedHawks never trailed in the second half, controlling the tempo. Every IU Northwest response seemed to arrive just in time — a Hoarde fadeaway, a Barnes put-back, or a perfectly timed three-pointer from Jenkins.

IU Northwest finished the game shooting 48.1 percent from the field and an impressive 47.6 percent from beyond the arc (10-for-21). The RedHawks also held a 42–33 advantage on the boards, led by Barnes' first double-double of the season with 11 points and 10 rebounds.

The RedHawks' weekend sweep follows Friday's 104–94 win over Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, giving IU Northwest a strong 2–1 start to the season and early confidence heading into conference play.

IU Northwest returns to action on Friday, Nov. 14, traveling across town to face Calumet College of St. Joseph (CCSJ) for its CCSJ debut. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. in Whiting, Indiana.