NEW ALBANY, Ind. - The IU Kokomo women's basketball team traveled to New Albany Saturday to take on IU Southeast in the River States Conference opener, where the Cougars won 77-64 for a second-consecutive win. The Cougars are now back to .500 at 4-4 overall, having begun RSC play 1-0.

The first quarter proved to be low-scoring early, as the Cougars and Grenadiers were even at five apiece until the five minute mark. A Chloe McClain deep-ball gave IU Kokomo a two-point 15-13 lead, but IU Southeast would score five-straight to end the quarter with an 18-15 lead.

After being outscored by three in the opening 10 minutes, first year head coach Lisa Pflueger's squad outscored IUS by seven in the second period. Lexi DiOrio knocked down a three-pointer before Mia Catey scored in the paint to give the Cougars a five-point lead. 

IUK led by as many as nine after another McClain triple late in the half, taking a four-point 33-29 lead into the hafltime locker room.

IU Southeast scored on the opening possession of the second half, but IU Kokomo immediately went on an 11-0 run to lead 42-31 and seemingly take control of the game for good. The IUK lead ballooned to 16 after another DiOrio trey as the Cougs led 54-39 with 10 minutes to play.

The Cougars never allowed IU Southeast to trim their deficit to single digits in the fourth, maintaining at least an 11 point lead for the entirety of the final 10 minutes on their way to a 77-64 road win.

Four Cougars scored in double-figures Saturday, led by Kokomo High School product Chloe McClain with 21 points on 9/14 shooting from the field. Freshman Lexi DiOrio scored 14 points in 15 minutes of action off the bench, matching McClain with four triples.

Mia Catey finished with 11 points and seven rebounds, while Kelsi Langley had 11 points and six boards. Anna Kiser made her return from injury Saturday, playing 34 minutes and totaling seven points and nine rebounds. 

The Cougars will return to non-conference action this Wednesday, as they will host the 7-3 Madonna University Crusaders at 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.