JOLIET, Ill. — Indiana University Northwest showed grit on the road Wednesday night, but a series of St. Francis scoring surges proved too much to overcome as the Redhawks dropped a 97–72 decision to the nationally ranked No. 17 Saints inside the Pat Sullivan Center.
EJ Brown-Griffin led IU Northwest with a strong 22-point, eight-rebound performance, attacking consistently in the paint and keeping the Redhawks within reach throughout the first half. Ava Kingery added 17 points and four 3-pointers, while De'Mour Watson finished with nine points, eight rebounds, and four assists.
IU Northwest opened aggressively, knocking down early shots and holding a brief 5–2 lead following a Kingery triple and a Brown-Griffin jumper. St. Francis responded quickly with a 13–2 run that shifted the momentum, pressuring the Redhawks into tough possessions and building a double-digit advantage.
The Redhawks answered in the second quarter, shooting 60 percent and using defensive rebounds to push the pace. Watson found seams to the rim, Brown-Griffin powered through contact, and Kingery hit a key three to trim the deficit to eight at halftime, trailing 42–34.
The nationally ranked Saints found another gear in the third quarter, using a flurry of perimeter shooting and transition layups to take control. St. Francis' balanced attack—including standout performances from multiple starters—helped the Saints create separation despite IU Northwest's continued rebounding advantage.
The Redhawks kept fighting in the fourth, with Brown-Griffin scoring through traffic and Kingery adding her fourth 3-pointer of the night. Freshman Diamond Howell closed the game with a deep three for IU Northwest. The Redhawks finished with a 43–40 rebounding advantage and dominated second-chance points 17–6, but the Saints' efficiency and 25 points off turnovers ultimately proved decisive.
IU Northwest now shifts focus to another road test before returning home.
Up next, the Redhawks travel to IU Southeast on Saturday, Dec. 13, in New Albany, Ind. Tipoff is scheduled for 12 p.m.