Box Score 1 | Box Score 2

GARY, Ind. – The IU Columbus Crimson Pride endured a challenging weekend at the Redhawk Classic, dropping an 89-81 overtime heartbreaker to Holy Cross College on Friday (Nov. 7) before falling 78-61 to host IU Northwest on Saturday (Nov. 8) afternoon.

Game 1: Holy Cross 89, IU Columbus 81 (OT)

The Crimson Pride battled Holy Cross to a 75-75 stalemate through regulation at the Savannah Center, but couldn't maintain momentum in the extra session, being outscored 14-6 in overtime.

Damontae Thompson led the way for IUC with 19 points, five assists, and three steals. Trevin Lieck added 18 points on an efficient 6-of-10 shooting, including 3-of-3 from beyond the arc, while Kyan Reichhoff provided a spark with 12 points on 4-of-6 shooting from three-point range.

Jermayn Baxter nearly recorded a triple-double with 14 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists. Reserve Jasaum Sowell was perfect from the field, contributing nine points on 4-of-4 shooting in 18 minutes.

The Crimson Pride shot well from the field (49.2%) and from three-point range (53.3%), but were undone by 15 turnovers and a significant free-throw disparity. Holy Cross attempted 32 free throws compared to IU Columbus's 21, with Jayden Sanders leading all scorers with 25 points on 10-of-11 from the charity stripe.

AJ Roseman added 22 points for Holy Cross, while Beau Barhams orchestrated the offense with nine assists.

Game 2: IU Northwest 78, IU Columbus 61

Less than 24 hours later, a tired Crimson Pride squad struggled to find their offensive rhythm against IU Northwest, shooting just 32.4% from the field and 28.0% from three-point range.

Reichhoff remained consistent with 14 points on 4-of-6 shooting from deep, while Thompson added 15 points, five steals, and three assists. However, Baxter struggled mightily, shooting 4-of-21 from the field for just 10 points despite playing 35 minutes.

The Crimson Pride's bench combined for just 11 points on 4-of-16 shooting, unable to provide the energy needed in the second game of a back-to-back. Reserve guard Dereon Mcnulty did contribute six points on 2-of-5 three-point shooting in limited action.

IU Northwest dominated the glass with a 42-34 rebounding advantage and capitalized on 12 IU Columbus turnovers. Matthew Hoarde led the RedHawks with 19 points, while Amarion Johnson added 16 points and Caleb Jenkins posted 17 points with 10 rebounds.

The Crimson Pride trailed 44-28 at halftime and never threatened in the second half, cutting the deficit slightly but never mounting a serious comeback bid.

IU Columbus falls to 2-4 on the season and will look to regroup as they continue their early-season schedule. 

Next Up: The Crimson Pride return to action Tuesday (Nov. 11) as they travel north to sister school, IU Indy for an exhibition game. Tip-off is scheduled for 11:00 AM.