KOKOMO, Ind. - The IU Kokomo women's basketball team hosted a Shawnee State squad that is receiving votes for the Top-25 and tied atop the River States Conference East Division with #9 Rio Grande. 

Having just battled the Top-10 RedStorm Thursday night, coming up short 81-71, the gauntlet continued Saturday. Shawnee State emerged victorious 74-49, utilizing strong second and third quarters to propel themselves to victory.

Just as they did Thursday against Rio Grande, the Cougars turned in a strong first-quarter performance. After the Bears jumped out to a quick 5-0 lead, IU Kokomo settled in. Trailing 7-4 just past the midway point of the first quarter, a quick 7-0 run gave the home side an 11-7 lead.

IU Kokomo held a narrow lead until the final seconds of the opening quarter, as Cianna Gloster drilled a three-pointer late to gift the Bears a narrow 13-11 lead through one.

First year Head Coach Lisa Pflueger's squad kept pace with SSU for much of the second quarter, trailing 27-22 with 3:17 remaining in the first half. The Bears would score the final six points of the first half to lead 33-22 at the half.

The Cougars struggled to get anything going in the third period, as Shawnee State outscored IU Kokomo 22-7 to carry a 28-point lead into the fourth.

While IU Kokomo outscored the Bears in the fourth quarter, Shawnee State closed out a 74-49 road win to improve to 8-1 in RSC action.

Eight different Cougars scored in the loss, led by Cameryn Rector and Anna Kiser as the lone Cougs to score in double-figures. Rector finished with a team-high 11 points, while Kiser collected her fifth double-double of the year with 10 points and 10 rebounds.

The Cougars will enjoy Sunday and Monday off before returning to action Tuesday against IU Southeast. Tip-off is set for 7:30 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.