Thursday, January 26th: The Indiana University Kokomo Cougars squared off against River States Conference rival Carlow Celtics. The Celtics are coming into this matchup searching for their first conference win (0-10).

As the Cougs look to take down another conference opponent(2-8). IU Kokomo was off to a hot start leading the Celtics after the first quarter 18-15.

The Cougars were led by Junior guard Kristen Ridner with 8 points after the first period. The Cougars were ultra-aggressive defensively leading to multiple forced shot clock violations as well as jump balls.

The Cougars had the lead going into halftime leading Carlow 35-31. At the start of the third quarter, junior Alaya Chapman went to work on the low block, putting moves on the defender and making it look easy for the 2-pointer. Carlow fought back, going on a blistering 11-0 run in just 2 minutes of play taking a 42-37 lead.

IU Kokomo was able to compose themselves and halt Carlow regaining the lead 44-42 halfway through the third quarter. Late in the third quarter, sophomore Shamaria Walker grabbed an offensive rebound dishing it out to senior Olivia Dowden who fed junior Anna Kiser down low for the layup.

On the following defensive stand, Walker ripped a Celtic guard going all the way to the basket and converting the two-pointer. Heading into the final period the game was tight with the Cougars leading 57-56. Defensive lapses mixed with fouls lead to the Cougars’ downfall as Carlow successfully grabbed their first conference victory.

IU Kokomo was led in scoring by freshmen Mia Catey and Ridner with 13 points. Kiser led the team in rebounds snagging 9 of them. Final score Carlow: 78 IU Kokomo: 69.