IU Kokomo prevails, 95-90, over Northern Ohio at home

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The Cougars of IU Kokomo took the court on Nov. 10, looking for a win against the visiting University of Northern Ohio Racers, and they found one. It just took a little longer than expected. The Cougars needed overtime to dispatch their opponents at home, prevailing 95-90 in a hard-fought game.

The contest was close early in the match-up until IU Kokomo got hot midway through the first half. They went on a 16-2 run to lead with a little more than four minutes left on the clock. But the Racers responded with force, reeling off 14 unanswered points as the first half wound to a close. The score was knotted at 39 at the break.

The second half mirrored the first. Again, IU Kokomo showed its power by pushing to an 11-point lead, but they couldn't hold it. Northern Ohio slowly kept back into it, tying the game with less than two minutes in regulation.

The final moments in regulation were a mad scramble, filled with missed opportunities on both ends of the court; neither team able to sink a shot. Time ran out, and the game went to an extra frame.

The Cougars' defense chose overtime to truly shine. While the two teams traded the lead repeatedly at first, IU Kokomo finally was able to capitalize on some Racers' miscues, forcing three turnovers in the final minutes to extend their lead to seven with less than a minute to play. The surge was enough, as the two teams traded baskets to close the game for the Cougars, 95-90.

IU Kokomo was led in scoring by Noah Harris, who delivered 19 points to go with 10 rebounds. Evan Kretz found similar success from the perimeter with 18 points. The Cougars shot 41 percent from the field and 32 percent from behind the arc. Defensively, they brought down 40 rebounds and forced 18 turnovers.

Northern Ohio was led by Jayden Priddy-Powell, who sank 21 points. Five Racers recorded double digits in the loss.

See additional photos from this game, courtesy of Adam Hartsough, by visiting the Lantern’s Facebook page or group.