UPLAND, Ind. – The IU Kokomo women's basketball team came up short at Taylor University Friday evening, falling 76-71 to a talented Trojan squad.

Taylor jumped out to a quick 8-0 lead, but IU Kokomo settled in and responded with a 7-0 run to trim the Trojan lead to one. An Alaya Chapman bucket gave the Cougars their first lead of the game at 14-13, and a Kaylie Abriani triple gave IUK a 17-14 lead after one quarter.

Another Chapman bucket extended the IUK lead to five early in the second quarter. Abriani drilled another deep-ball to give the Cougars a 22-19 lead, but from then on, the second quarter was controlled by Taylor. The Trojans closed the quarter on a 17-5 run to take a 36-27 lead into halftime.

Taylor scored the first seven points of the second half to extend their lead to 16, but the Cougars were able to chip away at the lead. IU Kokomo got within six points 6:53 remaining in the third quarter thanks to an Abriani three-pointer, but the Cougs trailed 55-46 after three quarters.

Trailing 70-63 late in the fourth quarter, Kristen Ridner knocked down a trey to trim the Trojan lead to four with less than two minutes remaining. Olivia Dowden drilled a three of her own to get the Cougs within four with seven seconds left, but it was too late, as Taylor held on to beat IU Kokomo 76-71.

Three Cougars scored in double-figures, led by Olivia Dowden with 17. Kaylie Abriani had 13 points and Kristen Ridner added 12. 

Anna Kiser had a solid game with seven points and a team-high nine rebounds.

The Cougars will have nearly a week off, as they are set to host IU East Thursday, November 17, in their home-opener. Tip-off is set for 5:30 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.