ELGIN, Ill. — Indiana University Northwest opened the second half of the season with a gritty road win, holding off Judson University 53–45 on Friday afternoon at the Lindner Fitness Center for  conference play.

The RedHawks set the tone early, using defensive pressure and work on the glass to build an 18–8 lead after the first quarter. IU Northwest forced turnovers and converted second-chance opportunities, limiting Judson to single digits in the opening frame.

Judson responded in the second and third quarters, trimming the margin and turning the contest into a possession-by-possession battle. IU Northwest maintained composure during the stretch, answering each push with timely baskets in the paint and key stops on the defensive end. The RedHawks carried a narrow advantage into the fourth before the game tightened late.

With the score tied midway through the final quarter, IU Northwest leaned on its interior presence and rebounding. EJ Brown-Griffin scored on consecutive possessions to regain the lead, and freshman transfer Isabella Soria knocked down clutch free throws in the final minutes to seal the road victory.

Soria, making her collegiate debut after transferring from Chicago State, delivered an impressive performance with 17 points on 5-of-8 shooting, including a pair of 3-pointers. Brown-Griffin led all scorers with 18 points and added 11 rebounds to record a double-double, while Ava Kingery finished with five points, three steals and steady defensive pressure throughout.

IU Northwest forced 19 turnovers and limited Judson to 27.9 percent shooting from the field, securing a hard-earned conference win away from home

The RedHawks returns home to the Savannah Center on Jan. 7, hosting Holy Cross College. Tip off is scheduled for 5 p.m.