KINGSPORT, Tenn. – The IU Kokomo men's basketball cruised to an 86-54 victory over Columbia International University Friday in the first of two games at "The Show." With the win, the Cougars have now won seven-consecutive games to open the season.

IU Kokomo scored early and often in what was a dominant showing from start-to-finish Friday afternoon. The Cougars scored the first six points of the game before CIU knocked down a free-throw to make it 6-1.

Leading by five less than three minutes into the game, IUK would use a furious 25-7 run to build a 23-point, 31-8 lead midway through the first half. Eric Echelbarger's squad maintained their distance for the remainder of the half, as they took a 44-19 lead into the locker room.

IU Kokomo quickly extended their lead to thirty in the opening minutes of the second half, and it would remain above 30 for the final 11:44, as the Cougars rolled to an 86-54 win to stay unbeaten.

Thru seven games, the Cougars have scored 80+ points in six of seven games, with the outlier being a 75-58 win over Lindsey Wilson.

Five Cougars scored in double-figures Friday, led by freshman forward Joseph Annan Jr., who came off the bench and scored 17 points on 8-8 shooting. Evan Kretz poured in 16, while both Noah Harris and Hunter Jackson added 11 points apiece.

Junior forward Max Newman continued his strong play in Tennessee, as he finished with eight points, 13 rebounds, and four assists. Dell Demeyers scored 10 points while impressing on the defensive end of the floor, as he collected five steals. 

The Cougars are set to close out play in Kingsport tomorrow as they will battle Milligan University at 4:15 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.