GARY, Ind. — Behind a dominant performance from Jessica Carrothers, Indiana Northwest surged past Olivet Nazarene 98-85 in Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC) action Wednesday afternoon at the Savannah Center.

Carrothers was unstoppable, pouring in 41 points on 13-of-18 shooting while knocking down 15-of-18 free throws. The junior guard also orchestrated the offense, dishing out 10 assists for a double-double, and added three steals in an all-around stellar performance. Forward Tiara Jackson controlled the paint, registering 31 points and a career-high 23 rebounds to help the RedHawks (18-5, 11-4 CCAC) get back in the win column.

Indiana Northwest came out firing, opening the game with a 25-10 first-quarter lead thanks to 72.7% shooting from the field. Carrothers set the tone early, relentlessly attacking the basket, while Jackson dominated the glass with six offensive rebounds in the first half alone. The RedHawks' defensive pressure limited Olivet Nazarene to just 16.7% shooting in the opening period.

Olivet Nazarene (15-8, 12-3 CCAC) found its rhythm in the second quarter, catching fire from beyond the arc. The Tigers knocked down seven three-pointers in the period, led by Olivia Dirkse and Preslee Michael, cutting into the deficit. Despite the surge, Indiana Northwest entered the break with a 50-38 advantage.

The RedHawks continued to control the game in the third quarter, stretching their lead to 18 points as Carrothers and Jackson remained dominant. However, Olivet Nazarene refused to back down, using a balanced scoring effort from its bench to keep the contest within reach. The Tigers outscored Indiana Northwest in the final frame, but their comeback attempt fell short as the RedHawks secured the victory at the free-throw line, converting 14-of-17 attempts in the fourth quarter.

Olivet Nazarene had four players score in double figures, with Bett O'Neal leading the way with 15 points. Michael added 14, while Brooklyn Marshall and Dirkse each contributed 12. The Tigers, despite their slow start, managed to connect on 13 three-pointers but struggled with efficiency inside the arc, shooting just 39.5% overall.

Indiana Northwest dominated the rebounding battle 44-37, with Jackson pulling down 17 defensive boards. The RedHawks also controlled the paint, outscoring the Tigers 42-30 inside. Turnovers played a role in the outcome as well, with Indiana Northwest capitalizing for 16 points off Olivet Nazarene's miscues.

The victory keeps Indiana Northwest in the thick of the CCAC race as they prepare for their next matchup at home against Trinity Christian College on Saturday, Feb. 8, at 1 p.m. CT. Olivet Nazarene will look to regroup as they continue conference play.

Recap by PJ Katona

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