KOKOMO, Ind. - Seventh year head coach Eric Echelbarger's squad gave up 106 points in a losing effort at (RV) IU Northwest back in November, but Wednesday's rematch in Kokomo was a different story.

Despite trailing by 12 at halftime, IU Kokomo erased the double-digit deficit en route to a 12-point, 83-71 win over a Redhawks squad that has been receiving well-deserved love nationally after a 9-1 start to the season.

Wednesday's matchup with the Redhawks did not disappoint those who turned out to the Student Activities and Events Center, as both the level of play and intensity were high. The two squads were trading buckets early and often, as IU Northwest held a narrow two-point lead at the under 15 media timeout.

IU Kokomo trailed for a majority of the remainder of the half, but managed to keep the Redhawks within striking distance until late. IU Northwest led by just three at 29-26 before scoring eight unanswered to extend their lead to double-digits with 2:55 remaining in the half.

The Redhawks took a 41-31 lead into the halftime locker room after a strong final five minutes of the first.

The Cougars came out of halftime with a spark, quickly cutting the double-digit deficit in half to trail by just five. IU Northwest managed to re-build their lead to nine, but IU Kokomo had other plans.

Coach Echelbarger's veterans sparked a furious charge, as Max Newman and Evan Kretz knocked down three-pointers on consecutive possessions to even the score at 57 with 9:36 to play. Even once again at 60 apiece, seven unanswered from the Cougars made it a seven-point IUK lead.

IU Northwest managed to pull within three with 5:43 to play, but the Cougar defense was locked in down the stretch, as IU Kokomo closed out an 83-71 win over (RV) IU Northwest.

A pair of forwards in Max Newman and Joseph Annan Jr. led IU Kokomo offensively with 21 points apiece. Annan Jr. also pulled down a team-high 12 rebounds for his first double-double of the season and second of his career.

Western High School graduate Evan Kretz added 19 points in a crucial 30 minutes of action off the bench, turning in another efficient shooting performance with a 5-10 effort Wednesday. Noah Harris finished one point shy of a double-double with nine points and 10 boards, playing a team-high 36 minutes.

The Cougars aren't done yet in the year of 2024, as they will play a pair of games on December 29th and 30th as part of the Oakland City Classic. 

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.