SAINT MARY-OF-THE-WOODS, Ind. - The IU Kokomo men's basketball team utliized a strong second-half to surge past Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College 64-46. With the victory, the Cougars are now 13-5 overall and 6-1 in River States Conference play. 

On a day in which the River States Conference leaders, Rio Grande, fell at home in overtime, the Cougars found a way to get the road win Saturday despite leading by just four at halftime. IU Kokomo and Rio Grande are the only two River States Conference team with just one loss.

The Cougars jumped out to a 6-2 lead before leading by seven at 13-6 after a Hunter White layup with 14:39 remaining in the first half. SMWC scored five-straight to trim the IUK lead to two at 11-9, but the Cougars responded with an 8-0 run capped off by a Xavier Hines triple, to lead 19-9 with less than ten minutes to go in the first half.

IU Kokomo led 26-17 before the Pomeroys scored seven-straight points to cut the deficit to two late in the first half. Darian Porch scored in the paint with a minute remaining to give IU Kokomo a 28-24 lead they would take into halftime.

The Cougars scored the first eight points of the second half, extending their lead to 12 thanks to another Xavier Hines deep-ball. SMWC refused to go away quietly however, getting within four at 45-41 with 11 minutes remaining. 

Leading 47-43, IU Kokomo went on a 12-0 run to take a commanding 59-43 lead with less than three minutes to play. The Cougars went on to close out a 64-46 road win at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College.

Hunter White and Xavier Hines led IU Kokomo in scoring Saturday, each scoring 15 points. White added six rebounds while Hines had boards and three assists. Zach Rinehart contributed 14 points an six rebounds as well.

The Cougars will return to action next Thursday at Alice Lloyd College (Ky.). Tip-off is set for 7:30 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.