KOKOMO, Ind. - The IU Kokomo women's basketball team improved to 1-1 in the New Year with a 77-70 win over Ohio Christian Saturday inside the Student Activities and Events Center.

Alaya Chapman scored the first four points of the game to give IU Kokomo an early 4-0 lead. Ohio Christian responded and took a 9-8 lead, but the Cougars outscored OCU 7-4 in the final 4:47 of the first quarter to lead 15-13.

The Trailblazers tied the game at 15 on their first possession of the second quarter, but Anna Kiser drilled a triple to give IUK a three-point lead. A Kristen Ridner jumper extended the IUK lead to five at 25-20, but after an OCU timeout, the Trailblazers got within two points with 3:33 remaining.

IU Kokomo finished the second quarter on a 7-1 run to take a 35-27 lead into the locker room at halftime.

The Cougars continued their strong play early in the second-half, extending the lead to double-digits at 41-29. Ohio Christian trimmed the IUK lead to six, but that would be as close as they got in the third quarter. IU Kokomo led by as many as 15 in the period and led 54-44 after three quarters.

Ohio Christian managed to get within seven points early in the quarter before the Cougars re-built the lead to 16. The Trailblazers cut the IUK lead to single-digits inside the final two minutes, but the Cougars held on to win 77-70.

Four Cougars scored in double-figures, led by Alaya Chapman with 17 points and eight rebounds. Olivia Dowden impressed with a double-double of 16 points and 12 rebounds, playing a key role in the win.

Ella Wolfe contributed 11 points and Shamaria Walker scored ten. Kristen Ridner had eight points and seven rebounds while Anna Kiser had seven points and nine boards.

The Cougars will enjoy a week off before returning to the court next Saturday at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. Tip-off is set for 1:00 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.