IU Kokomo women's basketball team loses at home against Oakland City, 84-71
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The Indiana University Kokomo Lady Cougars were hoping to start 2025 on a high note, but the Mighty Oaks of Oakland City University had other ideas. They defeated IUK on its home court, 84-71, on Jan. 4.
The hosts were never able to really find their groove, trailing the visitors throughout the contest. The Lady Cougars opened hot, leading by five before the game had seen two minutes elapse. But IUK couldn't capitalize, shooting just 33 percent from the field in the first quarter and allowing the Mighty Oaks to eke out a two-point lead, 16-14, in the first quarter.
Though IU Kokomo was able to find the basket a bit more readily as the game progressed, Oakland City also improved its play. In fact, the deficit grew to 18 points late in the game, forcing the Lady Cougars to rally slightly in the final minute to close the gap to the final, 13-point margin.
Three Lady Cougars found double digits on the scoreboard that evening. Mia Catey (2) led the team with 16 points to go with 10 boards and three steals. Lexi DiOrio (5) added 14 points, and Cameryn Rector (22) poured in 12 points. Hannah Hodgen (3) played well in a support role, grabbing seven rebounds, dishing out seven assists, and swiping the ball away four times.
Since this game, the Lady Cougars have improved their record slightly, taking wins at home against IU Columbus and St. Mary-of-the-Woods College, while dropping a contest at Brescia University. IU Kokomo's record stands at 7-9 as it prepares to face Indiana University east on Sat., Jan. 18. The game begins at 3 p.m. in the IUK Student Activities and Event Center, 2300 S. Washington St.
See additional photos from this game, courtesy of Adam Hartsough, on the Lantern's Facebook page or group.