DANIELS, W. Va. - The IU Kokomo men's basketball team suffered a four-point setback Saturday at WVU Tech, falling to the Golden Bears 68-64. With the loss, the Cougars are now 13-7 overall and 4-4 in River States Conference play.

The Cougars and Golden Bears both struggled to score early on, as the lead changed multiple times before the two squads were knotted at 11 with 10 minutes to play.

WVU Tech managed to gain some separation, extending the lead to 10 at 25-15 with just over five minutes remaining in the first half.

Eric Echelbarger's IU Kokomo squad scored the next seven points of the game to quickly cut the deficit back to three, as Dell DeMyers drilled a three-pointer and Kedric Anderson hit a pair of jumpers. Through 20 minutes, it was WVU Tech on top 29-24.

The Golden Bears started the second half strong, with an Adam Seams triple extending their lead to back to 12, 92 seconds into the half.

IU Kokomo would respond urgently, scoring 11 of the next 14 points to pull within four of the home team with plenty of time remaining. WVU Tech maintained a lead up until the 12 minute mark, where Joseph Annan Jr. began a stretch of six-straight points to give the Cougars a one-point lead each time, answering every Golden Bear bucket.

A WVU Tech free throw made it a one-point game with 8:11 remaining, as the game stayed within a point for the ensuing four and a half minutes. The Golden Bears eventually opened the game up with 2:49 to play, taking a four-point lead at 64-60.

The Cougars had a couple different opportunities to tie or take the lead in the final two minutes, but WVU Tech managed to escape, icing the game at the free-throw line to win 68-64.

Three Cougars scored in double-figures, led by junior sharpshooter Evan Kretz. Kretz finished with a game-high 18 points to go along with five rebounds.

Joseph Annan Jr. and Kedric Anderson each recorded 12 points, while Max Newman had eight points, eight rebounds, and four assists.

The Cougars will now return home to begin a three-game home-stand Thursday against Rio Grande. Tip-off is set for 5:30 PM inside the Student Activities & Events Center.

For the latest news, updates, and information on the IU Kokomo Cougars, fans can visit IUKCougars.com. Fans can also stay up to date on the latest Cougar news by following @IUKAthletics on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.