GARY, Ind. — Indiana University Northwest stayed within reach for much of the night, but Governors State University pulled away late to hand the RedHawks a 71–59 setback Wednesday evening at the Savannah Center.

IU Northwest opened the game with energy on the defensive end, forcing early misses and turning stops into transition chances. Freshman Gracie Little knocked down a pair of early jumpers to keep the RedHawks close, but Governors State found rhythm late in the first quarter to take a 15–6 lead. IU Northwest responded in the second quarter behind balanced scoring and improved ball movement, trimming the deficit and heading into halftime trailing 32–21.

The RedHawks came out of the break with renewed urgency. Diamond Howell sparked the offense with a pair of buckets inside, and EJ Brown-Griffin converted through contact as IU Northwest closed the gap during the third quarter. Despite the push, Governors State answered with timely perimeter shooting and maintained a 49–37 advantage entering the final period.

IU Northwest continued to compete down the stretch, cutting into the margin behind Little's shooting and multiple defensive stops, but Governors State sealed the game at the free-throw line in the closing minutes to secure the road win.

Little led the RedHawks with 16 points on efficient shooting, while Howell added 14 points off the bench. Brown-Griffin recorded 12 points and 11 rebounds for another double-double, continuing her strong presence on the glass. IU Northwest finished shooting 36.4 percent from the field and received 27 points from its bench in the contest.

The RedHawks return to action on Saturday, Jan. 17, traveling to Olivet Nazarene (RV) in Bourbonnais, Ill. Tipoff is scheduled for 1 p.m..