OAKLAND CITY, Ind. -- Cumberland's slow start would build a mountain too tall for the Phoenix to overcome against the Cougars.

The Phoenix finished the game shooting 47% from the field, 23% from the three point line, and 73% from the free throw line. Cumberland would be able to find some success on the boards (37-32), especially on the offensive glass (14-5). The Phoenix would dominate in the points in the paint (56-36) and second chance points (20-7).

The Cougars finished the game shooting 49% from the field, 38% from the three point line, and 80% from the free throw line. The Cougars made seven more three point shots (10-3) and ten more free throws than the Phoenix (21-11), and forced 23 Cumberland turnovers, which led to 34 points.

Five Phoenix would finish in double figures for the Phoenix, with Triston Conger and Michael Nwoye leading the way. Conger finished the game with 19 points and eight rebounds, and Nwoye would finish with 19 points, 11 rebounds, and three blocks. Riggs Abner (11), Jordan Jenkins (11), and Nick Brunetti (10) would be the other Phoenix in double figures.

The Phoenix started the game converting layups on their first two possessions of the game. After that, IU Kokomo scored 13 straight points before the media timeout.

At the halfway mark of the first half, the Phoenix committed ten turnovers, leading to 19 points for the Cougars. The Cougars have only committed three turnovers and the Phoenix haven't converted any of those into points.

Heading into the final media timeout, the Phoenix were able to gain some momentum after being down 25-11, but the IU Kokomo was able to force three straight turnovers and quell that run fast.

The Cougars were able to extend their lead up to 22 at halftime. The Phoenix was held scoreless from the three point line and committed 16 turnovers, leading to 27 IU Kokomo points. 

After a strong opening two minutes by the Phoenix, the Cumberland zone defense was picked apart by the Cougars three point shooting, which shot 5/12 from behind the arc before the halfway point of the second half.

The lead would eventually grow to 30 at the 12 minute mark, and then the Phoenix would chip away at the lead.

Cumberland would fight through foul trouble to eventually get the game to within 15, but ultimately the comeback would not be completed as the Phoenix would fall to IU Kokomo 89-78 and drop to 8-7 on the season.
 
The Phoenix look to get back on track tomorrow as they face Trevecca Nazarene in the Music City at 2:00 PM.