RICHMOND, Ind. — Indiana University Northwest made a late push but could not erase a third-quarter surge, dropping an 81–69 decision to IU East on Monday afternoon at Lingle Court.

The RedHawks came out sharp, trading baskets early before Ava Kingery sparked an opening-quarter run with back-to-back 3-pointers to keep IU Northwest within one after the first 10 minutes. IU East responded in the second quarter with efficient ball movement, but the RedHawks stayed within striking distance heading into halftime behind timely finishes from Gracie Little and EJ Brown-Griffin in the paint.

Momentum shifted coming out of the break as the Red Wolves opened the third quarter with a quick scoring run, capitalizing on turnovers and pushing the pace to build separation. Despite defensive stops by the RedHawks, the hosts extended the lead behind strong perimeter shooting and finished the quarter with a double-digit advantage.

IU Northwest refused to fold in the fourth. Little converted a pair of tough finishes early in the period, and Maggie Grady followed with a basket in transition to cut into the margin. Kingery later connected from deep to ignite a late rally, and the RedHawks poured in 28 points in the final quarter, trimming the deficit to single digits with just over two minutes remaining.

IU East answered each surge holding off the comeback attempt and sealing the game at the free-throw line.

Kingery led IU Northwest with 19 points, knocking down six 3-pointers while adding four assists and three steals. Little and Brown-Griffin each finished with 12 points, with Brown-Griffin recording a double-double by pulling down a team-high 12 rebounds. Grady added 10 points, eight of which came in the final quarter as the RedHawks made their push.

IU Northwest opens the second half of the season with CCAC conference play on the road at Judson University on Friday, Jan. 3, in Elgin, Ill. Tipoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.