NEW ALBANY, Ind. - The IU Kokomo women's basketball team came up short at IU Southeast Saturday afternoon, losing 77-67 to fall to 3-4 overall and 0-2 in River States Conference play.

Despite falling behind early in the game, IU Kokomo managed to stay within striking distance after one quarter, trailing 18-12. 

The Cougars turned their level of play up a notch in the second quarter, outscoring the Grenadiers 19-10 in the period. After IU Southeast drilled two three pointers to extend their lead to 12 in the opening minutes of the quarter, IU Kokomo responded with a 13-0 run to take a one-point lead at 25-24.

Thanks to two buckets from Alaya Chapman in the final moments of the first half, the Cougars took a 31-28 lead into the locker room at halftime.

IU Kokomo took their largest lead of the game early in the third quarter, as they led 38-32. The Grenadiers answered and eventually regained a one-point lead with 3:46 to play in the third quarter. 

IU Southeast kept the momentum on their side to take a 51-46 lead into the final ten minutes of play.

In what turned out to be a high-scoring fourth quarter, it was the Grenadiers who kept pace with the Cougars, outscoring IUK 26-21 in the final frame. IU Southeast extended their lead to double-digits early in the final quarter before going on to win 77-67 over IU Kokomo.

Anya Friend led the Cougars in scoring with 18 points in 29 minutes off of the bench. Senior post player Anna Kiser posted an impressive 13 point, 14 rebound double-double in the loss. 

Shamaria Walker continued to play well, this time out recording 12 points, six rebounds, and five assists, while Alaya Chapman was the Cougars final double-digit scorer with 10.

The Cougars will return to their home court next Tuesday, as they will welcome RSC foe Midway University. Tip-off is set for 5:30 PM.

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.