NOTRE DAME, Ind. – Indiana University Northwest turned a tight road contest into a statement finish Saturday afternoon, using a dominant fourth quarter to defeat Holy Cross 68-60 inside McKenna Arena.

Trailing 49-46 entering the final period after Holy Cross closed the third quarter on a 9-2 run, the RedHawks (8-18, 7-11) flipped the script with defensive stops and timely execution. Indiana Northwest outscored Holy Cross 22-11 over the final 10 minutes, transforming a three-point deficit into an eight-point conference victory.

The RedHawks shot 33.9% from the field (20-for-59) and converted 24-of-35 from the free-throw line (68.6%), while holding Holy Cross (15-11, 11-7) to just 25.8% shooting and 1-of-17 from 3-point range.

Indiana Northwest set the tone early in the first quarter with defensive pressure. EJ Brown-Griffin recorded two blocks in the opening minutes, including a rejection that helped ignite a transition opportunity. Moments later, Ava Kingery knocked down a 3-pointer to tie the game at 4-4, sparking a stretch that helped the RedHawks take a 13-11 lead after one.

In the second quarter, the RedHawks found rhythm offensively. Madelyn Murray drilled a 3-pointer off an assist from Kingery to extend the lead to 16-11. Later in the period, Jamarea LaCaze finished inside to push the advantage to five, and Indiana Northwest carried a 31-29 lead into halftime.

Holy Cross answered in the third, using free throws and second-chance opportunities to reclaim momentum. After the Saints tied the game at 33-33, Isabella Soria responded with a jumper to briefly restore the lead. Holy Cross closed the quarter on a late run to take a 49-46 edge into the fourth.

The RedHawks delivered their strongest stretch in the final period. With 7:07 remaining, Gracie Little buried a 3-pointer to give Indiana Northwest a 53-49 lead, and the RedHawks never trailed again as they closed the game at the free-throw line.

Soria led the RedHawks with 16 points and seven rebounds. Murray and Little each added 15 points, with Little going 5-for-5 from the free-throw line and knocking down two 3-pointers. Brown-Griffin controlled the glass with 15 rebounds, adding eight points and three blocks.

Indiana Northwest outrebounded Holy Cross 50-45, including 18 offensive rebounds that led to key second-chance opportunities.

The RedHawks return to action Monday, hosting IU South Bend in a postponed contest originally scheduled for Jan. 31. Tipoff is set for 5 p.m.