Last-minute push erases big deficit, but IUK loses, 74-72, to IU Southeast

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The IU Kokomo Cougars were looking for a win on their home court on Dec. 10. The IU Southeast Grenadiers weren’t willing to simply let that happen. In fact, it looked like the Cougars were going to take a sound beating.

Then came the last minute of the game.

The Cougars faced an uphill battle, thanks to a frigid start. The ladies couldn’t find the basket for most of the first quarter, sinking just four of the 17 shots they took, including six misses from beyond the arc. Fortunately, the Grenadiers fared little better, shooting just 38 percent for the quarter. Still, IU Kokomo faced a 14-8 deficit after one period.

The play for both teams improved in the second quarter, but IU Kokomo wasn’t able to creep any closer. And the third quarter saw the Cougar shooters go cold once again. With just 1:35 remaining in the third, IU Southeast built a 17-point lead. The outcome seemed secure for the Grenadiers.

However, the Cougars stormed back late in the game, unleashing a scoring barrage that erased the deficit. Hannah Hodgen started the comeback drive by hitting a trey with 1:13 remaining in the third. Cameryn Rector dished the assist on the play.

Hodgen had a hand in the next score, feeding Mia Catey for a three with 36 seconds remaining. An IU Southeast score on their next possession kept the distance, and the score going into the fourth was 52-39 in the Grenadiers’ favor.

The fourth proved difficult for the Cougars to gain ground. They traded blows with the visitors throughout the quarter, and with 45 seconds remaining, they still trailed by 12 points.

And then the Cougars turned it on. Moriah Crawford hit a lay-up in the paint on the in-bounds pass. The Grenadiers squandered their next possession, leading to a three-point bomb from Hodgen with 38 seconds remaining. IU Southeast hacked her as she let the shot fly, sending her to the line for a successful free throw.

Catey went strong on defense as IU Southeast took possession. She stole the ball in the backcourt and immediately deposited a lay-up, drawing a foul in the process. Twenty-nine seconds remained, and IU Kokomo had closed the gap by eight points. The score was 73-69 as Catey tried and missed her and-one.

Mackenzie York nabbed the offensive board, but Catey missed a lay-up on the ensuing play. Hannah Prickett brought down the board. Unfortunately, Rector had her pocket picked as the Cougars searched for an open shot, forcing Catey to foul and stop the clock.

The Grenadiers only managed to hit one of two foul shots, and Rector redeemed herself with the rebound and a lovely pass down-court to Anya Friend, who drained a three and pulled the Cougars to within two points, 74-72, with just 10 seconds remaining.

IU Southeast called a timeout to reset its offense, and it appeared that the Grenadiers would play keep away and run out the clock. Hodgen had other ideas. As the clock clicked off the final seconds, she swiped the ball and hurled a desperation three that fell short.

Catey led the Cougars with 20 points to go with seven rebounds and four steals. Hodgen was right behind her teammate with 16 points and four assists. Friend had a solid night with nine points, six rebounds, and a pair of steals.

At 3-5 on the season and suffering through a three-game winless streak, IU Kokomo travels to Goshen College (2-10) on Thu., Dec. 18. The Cougars next play at home on Tue., Dec. 30, against Cleary University (6-5).

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