NEW ALBANY, Ind. – A swarming Grenadier defense helped the IU Southeast women's basketball team defeat IU Kokomo 58-48 on Tuesday.
The Grenadiers (13-7, 6-6 RSC) forced 25 Cougar turnovers including 15 in the first half to spark the offense. IU Southeast scored 20 of their 36 points in the first half off of turnovers and outscored the Cougars 26-6 in the game.
Annie Thomas, Baylee Krueger and Madi Woods each had 10 points to lead IU Southeast. Thomas had seven steals on the night, tying her season high.
The Grenadiers led 19-9 after the first quarter as they capitalized on eight turnovers in the opening period. IU Southeast led 36-21 at halftime.
IU Southeast had to withstand a furious comeback as the Cougars outscored the Grenadiers 19-7 in the third. The Cougars cut the lead to 43-40 as Whitney Williamson hit a long three at the buzzer to end the third period.
Annie Thomas scored back-to-back field goals to start the fourth quarter to keep IU Kokomo at arms length.
The score was never tied and IU Southeast never trailed in the contest and led by as many as 17 points.
The Grenadiers host Kentucky Christian Thursday at 7 p.m. as head coach Robin Farris will be honored for recording his 500th win.
