KOKOMO, Ind. – The Indiana University Kokomo women's basketball team fell to IU East Thursday night 75-65 to open up River States Conference play inside the Student Activities and Events Center.

IU Kokomo junior guard Kristen Ridner scored the first three points of the game to give the Cougars an early 3-0 lead. Leading 5-3, IU Kokomo scored seven-straight points to extend their lead to nine, their biggest lead of the night. IU East responded with a 9-0 run to tie the game at 12 late in the first quarter.

The Cougars outscored the Red Wolves 4-1 in the final 1:38 of the first quarter to take a 16-13 lead into the second quarter.

IU East took their first lead of the night at 21-20 four minutes into the second period. The Red Wolves led 26-22 but the Cougars stormed back to regain the lead at 27-26. IU East outscored the Cougars 11-3 in the final two and a half minutes of the first half to lead 37-30 at halftime.

Out of halftime, the Red Wolves extended their lead to eight at 40-32 to take control of the game for the time being. A Kaylie Abriani fastbreak bucket pulled the Cougars back within two points with 3:35 remaining in the third quarter to show signs of life for IUK.

Alaya Chapman knocked down a pair of free-throws with 34 seconds to go in the quarter to trim the IU East lead back down to one, and Shamaria Walker drilled a three-pointer with two seconds remaining in the third period to tie the game at 50 heading into the final ten minutes.

Chapman came through again, this time making a layup to give IU Kokomo a 52-51 lead early in the fourth quarter. IU East responded however, taking a 57-52 lead  with seven minutes to play.

The Red Wolves took a seven-point lead with 4:15 remaining, and remained in control for the rest of the game. IU Kokomo got within three at 65-62, but IU East closed out the game strong to beat the Cougars 75-65.

Kristen Ridner led the Cougars in scoring with an efficient 14 points on 5/7 shooting from the field. Shamaria Walker had 11 points and seven rebounds for IUK.

Anna Kiser turned in another solid outing with nine points and nine boards, while Alaya Chapman and Ella Wolfe each added eight points. 

The Cougars will return to the hardwood next Tuesday as they travel to Illinois for a non-conference matchup with the Tigers of Olivet Nazarene. 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.