OTTUMWA, Iowa (Interstat) — The Indian Hills Warriors used a dominant defensive performance and a balanced scoring attack to overcome a slow start and defeat the Malcolm X Hawks 85-75 in a men’s junior college basketball game Friday night.

The Warriors, ranked among the nation’s elite, improved to 4-0 on the young season, while the Hawks from Chicago dropped their opener.

Malcolm X came out firing, building an early lead behind the hot hand of Juaquin Dixon. The Hawks’ guard scored a game-high 25 points, but it wasn’t enough to counter Indian Hills’ relentless pressure and efficiency down the stretch. The Warriors’ defense was the story, forcing 23 Malcolm X turnovers and converting them into numerous transition opportunities.

KJ LaMonte led a quartet of double-figure scorers for Indian Hills with 17 points, adding two assists. He was instrumental in the second half as the Warriors pulled away. Chaz Watson provided a spark with 13 points and six rebounds, while Xavier Wilson controlled the paint with eight points and a game-high nine rebounds. Vladyslav Semerych also chipped in nine points and eight rebounds.

Despite a strong individual effort from Dixon, Malcolm X struggled with ball security and rebounding. The Hawks were out-rebounded 45-37 and gave up 15 offensive boards, leading to second-chance points for the Warriors. Denyell Rush supported Dixon with 14 points for the Hawks, and Cortez Abel added nine points and seven rebounds.

The game was a tale of two halves, with Malcolm X staying competitive early before Indian Hills’ depth and defensive intensity took over. The Warriors dished out 15 assists compared to eight for the Hawks and also recorded 15 steals, highlighting their disruptive defensive presence.

Indian Hills entered the game as a heavy favorite according to Interstat’s ELO system, which gave them a 73.30 percent probability to win, and they lived up to that billing with a methodical victory.

The Warriors look to continue their winning streak Saturday at home against John A. Logan. Malcolm X, now 0-1, faces a quick turnaround, traveling to face Coffeyville on Saturday.