PALOS HEIGHTS, Ill. — IU Northwest struggled to find its footing Wednesday night, falling 80–54 to Trinity Christian in a road matchup where the Trolls controlled the pace from the opening tip inside DeVos Gymnasium.

The RedHawks (6–2, 3–1 CCAC) shot just 25.8 percent in the opening period, including 0-of-9 from three, while the Trolls converted at a 47 percent clip and knocked down five first-half threes to build a commanding 42–21 halftime lead.

Matthew Hoarde provided much-needed offense off the bench, knocking down a pair of jumpers and adding eight first-half points. 

In the second half, IUN showed brief momentum behind the aggressive play of Ladaion Barnes, who scored 18 of his team-high 22 points after the break, including three second-half threes. His scoring stretch helped cut the deficit to 13 with 14 minutes remaining, but the Trolls responded immediately with a 9–0 run.

Hoarde finished with 16 points on 7-of-12 shooting, while Amarion Johnson added nine points and six rebounds. Despite holding Trinity Christian to 35 percent shooting in the second half, the RedHawks were unable to close the gap. 

IU Northwest returns to action Wednesday when the RedHawks travel to IU Kokomo on Dec. 10, with tipoff scheduled for 6 p.m.