UNIVERSITY PARK, Ill. — IU Northwest men's basketball showed resilience throughout Wednesday night's road contest, outscoring Governors State in the second half, but an early deficit proved too much to overcome as the RedHawks fell, 99–93, inside the GSU ARC.
Governors State set the tone early, jumping out to a double-digit lead behind efficient perimeter shooting. IU Northwest struggled to find rhythm in the opening half, shooting 25 percent from the field as the Jaguars built a 47–35 advantage at the break.
The RedHawks responded with urgency after halftime, opening the second half with improved ball movement and aggressive play on both ends. Caleb Jenkins sparked the surge, knocking down four three-pointers in the second half and repeatedly attacking off the dribble to cut into the deficit. IU Northwest shot 63.3 percent from the field after the break, outscoring Governors State 58–52 in the final 20 minutes.
Bench production fueled the comeback effort, with Romello Ali providing instant offense and energy, scoring 12 points on 5-of-7 shooting. Matthew Hoarde attacked the paint and finished through contact, adding 15 points while going a perfect 6-for-6 from the free-throw line. AJ Williams contributed 11 points and five rebounds, while Trey Steinhilber directed the offense with 10 assists to go along with 11 points.
Despite the late push, Governors State answered each run and sealed the game at the free-throw line in the closing minute. IU Northwest trimmed the margin to single digits late, highlighted by Jenkins' deep three and Hoarde's finish in traffic, but the Jaguars held firm down the stretch.
Jenkins led all RedHawks with 22 points, shooting 6-of-7 from three-point range. Matthew Hoarde finished with 15 points, while Romello Ali added 12 points off the bench. Trey Steinhilber recorded a double-double with 11 points and 10 assists, and Barnes scored 10 points with six rebounds, including a three-pointer that pushed him into the top 10 of IU Northwest's single-season three-point field goals record book. Amarion Johnson and Antonio Phillips each contributed six points as the RedHawks totaled 38 bench points.
IU Northwest finished the night with 38 bench points and shot 42.9 percent from three-point range, continuing to show offensive growth despite the result.
The RedHawks return to action on Saturday, Feb. 7, for Senior Day inside the Savannah Center. Prior to tipoff, IU Northwest will honor seniors Ladaion Barnes, Caleb Jenkins, and AJ Williams. Tipoff is scheduled for 3 p.m.
