ADRIAN, Mich. - The IU Kokomo women's basketball team opened the 2022-2023 season Thursday night with a close 53-50 loss on the road against Michigan-Dearborn. 

Less than three minutes into the game, the Wolverines had already built a 9-2 lead thanks to six Siena Smith points and a three-pointer from Abby Fullerton. The Cougars responded, going on a 7-0 run to tie the game at nine with less than five minutes remaining in the quarter.

Shamaria Walker drained a three to start the run before Kristen Ridner converted back-to-back layups to knot the score. Michigan-Dearborn led 14-11 after a quarter.

The Wolverines extended their lead to eight at 28-16 with 2:41 remaining in the first half. Olivia Dowden drilled a trey to trim the lead and Michigan-Dearborn took a 29-26 lead into halftime.

Trailing 34-28, the Cougars reeled off 11 straight points to take a 39-34 lead with 2:14 to go in the third quarter. A Mia Catey jumper gave IU Kokomo a four-point lead heading into the final period of play.

IU Kokomo led for much of the fourth quarter, but the Wolverines took their first lead of the quarter at 49-48 thanks to a Sydney Dixon deep-ball. Shamaria Walker knocked down a pair of free-throws with 44 seconds remaining to cut the lead to one, but Michigan-Dearborn drilled a pair of free throws with nine seconds remaining.

Shamaria Walker's three-point attempt as time expired was off the mark, giving Michigan-Dearborn a 53-50 win over IU Kokomo in the first game of the season.

The Cougars were led offensively by Shamaria Walker. Walker had 14 points to lead all scorers on the evening.

Junior Alaya Chapman had a double-double of ten points and ten rebounds in her first game in an IUK uniform. Anya Friend had seven points, seven boards, and three assists.

The Cougars will be back-in-action Saturday evening, as they will stay in Michigan to take on Concordia University (Ann Arbor). Tip-off is set for 5:00 P.M.

For the latest news, updates, and information on the IU Kokomo Cougars, fans can visit IUKCougars.com. Fans can also stay up to date on the latest Cougar news by following @IUKAthletics on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.