IUN Holds Opponent to just 48 points

The IU Northwest defense has emerged over the past few weeks and has served as a catalyst in several recent games including Friday's 57=46 win over Viterbo University in the semi-finals of the Cornerstone Christmas Tournament. The IUN interior defense of Sharon Houston, Ashley Michalski and Ashley Parish limited any easy opportunities for Viterbo as they struggled to shoot just 23% from the floor for the game. The RedHawks inside presence forced Vietrbo to hoist 32 three point attempts converting on just 9 (28%). Vietrbo leading scorer Dani Templin struggled mightily and found trouble finding her rhythm as she shot just 1-16 from the floor, however her one make was a three as the first half expired to draw Viterbo to within nine at the half.

Viterbo closed the gap to within 1 midway through the second half before IU Northwest pulled away to secure the victory. The RedHawks were led by Houston who registered 17 points, 8 rebounds and 2 blocks and sophomore guard Brianne Wischman who posted 11 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists against zero turnovers in 24 minutes of action. Senior forward Ashley Michalski making her season debut chipped in with 7 points, 8 rebounds and 2 steals. Freshman point guard Brittany Dewell made her fist appearance since injuring her ankle nearly a month ago to register 7 points, 2 rebounds and 4 steals against just one turnover. "It was a good team victory where we received contributions from several people," said IU Northwest Head Coach Ryan Shelton.