GARY, Ind. — Indiana University Northwest went toe-to-toe with Holy Cross College for 40 minutes, but a late free-throw push by the visitors lifted Holy Cross to a 70–65 win Wednesday night at the Savannah Center.

The RedHawks came out aggressive, using crisp ball movement and perimeter shooting to grab a 13–10 lead after the opening quarter. Madelyn Murray provided an early spark off the bench, knocking down a pair of 3-pointers as IU Northwest pushed the lead to nine in the second quarter before Holy Cross answered at the line to close the gap to 34–27 at halftime.

The second half turned into a back-and-forth battle with momentum swinging on nearly every possession. Ava Kingery connected from deep midway through the third quarter to keep IU Northwest in front, and Maggie Grady followed with a strong finish inside as the RedHawks clung to a narrow edge entering the final 10 minutes.

Holy Cross took control late behind timely baskets and repeated trips to the free-throw line. IU Northwest stayed within one possession in the final minute, but the visitors sealed the game at the stripe to escape with the road win.

Kingery led the RedHawks with 18 points while adding two assists, Murray finished with 15 points off the bench on 3-of-4 shooting from beyond the arc, and Grady chipped in 11 points and eight rebounds. IU Northwest shot 38.9 percent from 3-point range and received 18 points from its bench in the tightly contested matchup.

IU Northwest returns to the Savannah Center on Saturday, Jan. 10, hosting Mount Mary University for a 1 p.m. tipoff.