GARY, Ind. – Dannie Smith finished the day with 20 points and 15 rebounds to help pace the Indiana University Northwest men’s basketball team in the 78-72 victory over Saint Xavier Saturday afternoon in CCAC play.
Through the first four minutes, the RedHawks (13-9, 10-4) held the advantage, but after the Cougars hit a jumper at the 15:32 mark they would eventually find themselves up by as much as six during the first the half.
IUN, however, would get within a point (28-27) when Trace Williams drained a three late in the opening half. SXU though would take a three-point lead into the locker room after hitting the front end of two free throws.
In the second 20 minutes, the RedHawks kept battling and when Brian Hernandez drilled a three at 12:38 it gave them the lead for good. Minutes after the Hernandez trifecta, a Lamarius Lillard layup would put IUN up 12.
The RedHawks were not able to go up by more, but they did hold on for the six-point conference victory.
The win puts IUN in a two-way tie for third place in the CCAC standings with Olivet Nazarene, who is Wednesday’s opponent. Tip-off time is slated for 7:30 p.m. in Bourbonnais, Ill.