GARY, Ind. — Indiana University Northwest stayed within striking distance through the first half Thursday afternoon, but Spring Arbor (Mich.) used a decisive second-half surge to hand the Redhawks a 79–55 loss in a game originally scheduled for Nov. 29 and postponed due to weather.

De'Mour Watson led IU Northwest with a double-double, finishing with 13 points and 14 rebounds, while adding three assists. EJ Brown-Griffin also recorded a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds, and Ava Kingery contributed 11 points, connecting on 3-of-8 shooting from beyond the arc.

The Redhawks matched Spring Arbor's energy early, controlling the tempo and staying efficient on both ends of the floor. IU Northwest trailed by just two points at halftime, using Watson's work on the glass and Kingery's perimeter shooting to keep the game tight.

Momentum shifted in the third quarter as Spring Arbor began to pull away, capitalizing on offensive rebounds and transition opportunities to build separation. The Cougars outscored IU Northwest in the period to open up a double-digit advantage.

IU Northwest continued to compete in the fourth quarter, with Brown-Griffin scoring inside and Watson creating second-chance looks, but Spring Arbor's sustained pressure and balanced scoring proved too much to overcome down the stretch.

The Redhawks finished the afternoon with 32 rebounds, led by Watson and Brown-Griffin, while Spring Arbor held a 40–32 advantage on the glass, helping fuel the second-half run.

IU Northwest now turns its focus back to conference play with another road matchup ahead as they travel to Whiting, Ind., on Saturday to face Calumet College. Tipoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.