GARY, Ind. – Behind a dominant scoring performance from Trace Williams and a double-double from Dannie Smith, Indiana Northwest secured a convincing 86-72 win over Olivet Nazarene in a key Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC) matchup on Monday evening at the Savannah Center.

Williams led the way for the RedHawks (17-6, 11-4 CCAC) with 34 points on an ultra-efficient 12-of-16 shooting from the field, including 2-of-3 from beyond the arc. The senior guard also added six rebounds and four assists in a well-rounded performance. Smith was equally impressive, recording 23 points and 11 rebounds while shooting 10-of-13 from the floor.

Indiana Northwest set the tone early, using a strong offensive attack to build a 42-32 lead by halftime. The RedHawks shot 48.6% from the field in the first half while limiting Olivet Nazarene (10-13, 8-7 CCAC) to 37.5% shooting. Williams and Smith combined for 30 first-half points, helping Indiana Northwest establish a comfortable cushion.

The Tigers attempted to battle back in the second half, but the RedHawks remained in control. Indiana Northwest extended its lead to as many as 18 points midway through the second half, fueled by timely scoring and efficient free-throw shooting. As a team, the RedHawks converted 17-of-22 attempts from the foul line, including an 8-of-9 performance from Williams.

Anthony Taylor added 13 points and four assists for Indiana Northwest, while Jaylen Jennings provided a key boost off the bench with 10 points, hitting 4-of-8 from the field. The RedHawks dominated inside, outrebounding Olivet Nazarene 35-37 and outscoring the Tigers 36-32 in the paint.

Olivet Nazarene was led by Caleb Corro, who finished with 19 points but struggled from beyond the arc, making just 1-of-9 three-point attempts. Caleb Swearingen chipped in 17 points, while Tyler Curl contributed 12 points and seven rebounds. The Tigers shot 42.4% overall but managed just 26.1% (6-of-23) from three-point range.

With the victory, Indiana Northwest strengthened its position in the CCAC standings, winning its second straight game. The RedHawks will look to continue their strong play when they return to action on Saturday, Feb. 8, against Trinity Christian College. Tip-off is set for 3 p.m. CT at the Savannah Center.

Recap by PJ Katona

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