NEW ALBANY, Ind. – A sluggish first half doomed the Grenadiers as IU Kokomo defeated IU Southeast 90-83 on Tuesday.

Jamie Johnson had 19 points and nine rebounds to lead IU Southeast. Kerry Smith had 15 points and seven rebounds and Nick Tinsley and David Burton each had 14 points in the loss.

The Cougars' Akil McClain had 29 points in the win and Antoin Clifton added 20 points. Trequan Spivey had 16 points and Desean Hampton had 13 points and 10 rebounds.

IU Southeast (11-7, 4-3 RSC) fell behind 23-9 and trailed 39-29 at halftime. IU Southeast shot 26 percent from the field in the first half and made just eight field goals and only two three-pointers.

The Grenadiers were able to cut the lead to 47-43 with 15 minutes to go in the second half but the Cougars responded with a 10-2 run to keep IU Southeast at bay. The Grenadiers would not get closer than a four-point deficit.

Akil McClain carried much of the scoring load in the second half for IU Kokomo, he scored 21 of his 29 points in the final 20 minutes while Spivey added 13 of his 16 points in the final frame.

IU Southeast hosts Cincinnati Christian Saturday at 3 p.m.