IU Kokomo hosts Rio Grande Feb. 28 on RSC tourney

This article is brought to you by the Kokomo Family YMCA. LIVESTRONG at the Y is back! This small-group cancer survivorship program is FREE to all with a doctor’s referral. Spots are limited. Participants in the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program experience improved fitness and quality of life, as well as significant decreases in cancer-related fatigue. Classes will begin in March, happening on Mondays & Wednesdays from Noon to 1:15. Ready to reclaim your life from cancer? Contact Mark Sutton at 765-457-4447 or learn by clicking here.

The Indiana University Kokomo Cougars are a step closer to a title. The men’s basketball team won its opening game in the River States Conference championship on Feb. 25 against WVU Tech, and it will face the University of Rio Grande this Saturday, February 28.

The game begins at 3 p.m. on the Cougars’ home court, the Student Activities and Events Center on the IU Kokomo campus, 2300 S. Washington St.

In the opening round game, a 76-71 victory over the Golden Bears, the Cougars were propelled to a team win by five separate players who scored in double digits. Freshman Jake McGraw led IU Kokomo with 16 points and seven rebounds. Alonzo Clawson-Smith and Patric Matson added 15 points each. Clawson-Smith also managed six assists. Kedric Anderson and Evan Kratz each had 10 points to add to the scoring mix. Ibrahim Diakite led the Cougars with 10 rebounds.

IU Kokomo previously faced the University of Rio Grande on Feb. 14, on the road in Rio Grande, Ohio. The Red Storm overwhelmed the Cougars with persistent shooting, 94-71.

In that game, freshman Clawson-Smith put down 23 points to go with seven rebounds, while Matson scored 16 and Joseph Annan, Jr., tallied 11. But the 18 three-pointers from Rio Grande kept the game well out of reach.

The Cougars are 23-6 this season, including 12-4 in conference play. They play exceeding well at home, amassing a 10-2 record.

On Feb. 10, photographer Adam Hartsough was on hand to record highlights from IU Kokomo’s home contest against Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. While the Cougars dropped that game, 70-76, there was a late rally that showed the team’s resolve.

Clawson-Smith again proved prolific, scoring 18 points and adding eight assists. Matson scored 14 points in the game, while Kretz bagged 12, and Annan Jr. poured in 10 points.

See additional photos from this game on the Lantern’s Facebook page or group.