OWENSBORO, Ky. - The IU Kokomo women's basketball team struggled to stop the Brescia offense Wednesday, surrendering 86 points in a 25-point road loss. The Cougars are still just one game below .500 in River States Conference play at 1-2, and are 5-9 overall.

Brescia had their way offensively from start to finish on their home floor, shooting 49.1% from the field and 52% from beyond-the-arc. The Bearcats went to the line 34 times, making 23 attempts.

After the Bearcats scored first just over a minute into the game, IU Kokomo's Lexi DiOrio and Mackenzie York each drilled three-pointers to give the Cougars a 6-2 lead. The Cougars led 11-7, but went scoreless over the final 5:22 of the first quarter and trailed 19-11 after one.

Junior's Mia Catey and Chloe McClain both scored to trim the deficit to single digits early in the second quarter, yet a 7-0 spurt form Brescia gave them a 31-15 lead.

IU Kokomo battled back within 11 with four to play in the first half, however the Bearcats outscored IUK 12-1 down the stretch to lead 44-22 at halftime.

Coach Lisa Pflueger's squad's level of play rose tremendously in the second half, as the Cougars were outscored by just three points in the final 20 minutes. Despite the fact that it was all Brescia to open the third quarter, the Cougars eventually punched back.

The Bearcats scored the first 13 points of the second half to lead by 35, but IU Kokomo slowly chipped away to trail by 25 after three quarters. 

IU Kokomo and Brescia played an even fourth quarter, as each team scored 21 points. Despite improved play from the Cougars, Brescia closed out an 86-61 home win over IU Kokomo Wednesday night.

Mia Catey led the Cougars offensively for a second-consecutive game, this time with 13 points. Anna Kiser added 12 points and six rebounds, while Lexi DiOrio was the lone other Cougar in double-figures with 11 points.

Chloe McClain finished with nine points off the bench and Mackenzie York added seven, as Hannah Hodgen chipped in five assists and four rebounds.

The Cougars will now return home to host IU Columbus Saturday afternoon in the first of three home games in eight days. Tip-off Saturday is set for 3:00 against the Crimson Pride inside the SAEC.

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.