THE OVERVIEW

• Result: Maranatha 44-81 Indiana-Northwest
• Venue: Savannah Center, Indiana University-Northwest
• Attendance: 103
• Record: Sabercats are now 6-9
• Next Game for MBU: Thursday, Feb. 1 at 7 p.m. at Wisconsin Lutheran

THE LEAD

GARY, Ind. -- The Sabercats were missing 2 starting seniors tonight, and that didn't help their cause against a strong NAIA opponent in Indiana-Northwest.

Twenty-one extra looks helped give the Red Hawks a comfortable win on the night. Kelsey Johnson led the Sabercats with 18 points.

THE STORY

Despite being outmatched on paper, the Sabercats held the lead through the opening few minutes. Starters Maisy Alldredge, Claire Hansel, and Harmony Bailey all came out shooting to give the Sabercats the 2-point edge.

That brief lead would be the last one that the Sabercats would enjoy on the night, however, as the Red Hawks proceeded to pull away from that point on. IUN were determined to make a statement on their home floor, and make one they did - the hosts grabbed 14 offensive rebounds, shot 21 more times than MBU, and limited their turnovers to 12 on the night. All while shooting just under 50 percent from the floor.

Even though they were missing Alexis Bueltel and Katie Bender, the Sabercats did what they could to stand in the breach. Johnson's 18-point effort was backed up by her sister, Karley Johnson, who logged a dozen points on the night.

All in all, the Sabercats were outmatched by the prepared Red Hawks, who boast a rigid NAIA schedule this season. The hosts' experience showed, as they walked away with an 81-44 win.

THE NUMBERS

Kelsey Johnson has now logged 12 consecutive games with double-digit points.

Gina Rubino led the scoring for the Red Hawks with 19 points. Thirteen different IUN players made a bucket.

This was just the second meeting between these 2 teams. The series began last year and the Red Hawks have won both games.

THE OUTLOOK

The Sabercats will travel to Wisconsin Lutheran for a 7 p.m. tip-off Thursday night. Follow live at mbusabercats.com/composite.