KOKOMO, Ind. - The IUK men's basketball team defeated Indiana University East on Tuesday night, winning by a final score of 81-72. With the victory, the Cougars hold an overall record of 18-5 this season and an 8-5 mark in conference games.

The Cougars came out hot, taking a 10-0 lead five minutes into the game. The Red Wolves cut their deficit to five points, before a free throw from Dell DeMyers and a layup by Joseph Annan Jr. brought it back to eight.

With a 15-11 lead at the midpoint of the half, Julien Hunter sank two free throws to increase the lead to six, before Joseph Annan Jr. added his own free throw and a slam dunk to take a commanding 20-11 lead.

In the final minutes of the first half, IU East's offense started to pick up steam, but the Cougars continued to keep them in check, holding a 36-31 lead going into halftime.

Early in the second half, the Red Wolves came within two points of the Cougars, before Dell DeMyers drilled a three pointer to bring the lead back to five. The score was soon tied at 42, but Hunter Jackson and Chris Chin answered with layups to make the score 46-42.

The Red Wolves took their first lead of the game after a three-pointer put them in front 49-48 with 12 minutes to go. Hunter Jackson quickly answered with a layup to retake the lead for IUK.

Holding a 52-51 lead, the Cougars began a relentless 13-0 scoring run, punctuated by an emphatic slam dunk by Joseph Annan Jr. and a smooth and-one layup from Chris Chin, takeinga 65-51 lead with six minutes left in the game.

IU East managed to regain some of their offensive footing in the final minutes, but were unable to put together a comeback, and IU Kokomo claimed a 81-72 victory.

Joseph Annan Jr. led the Cougars with 22 points in the win, followed by Dell Demyers with 18 points. Chris Chin scored 14 points, Julien Hunter scored 11, and Hunter Jackson scored 10.

The Cougars will return to action on Saturday, when they travel to conference foe Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.

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.