Rockford, Ill. - The ICC women's basketball team (9-6) had a great effort for three quarters against #5 Rock Valley (17-0) on Saturday afternoon, but ran out of gas in the last 10 minutes, falling 78-62 at the annual "Rumble at the Rock" event. The Cougars trailed just 51-49 heading into the final stanza, but the Golden Eagles revved up their defense and stayed on the attack to win the quarter 27-13 and hand ICC the loss. Of ICC's now-six losses, five are to NJCAA Top 20-ranked teams. 

"Our energy was great for the first three quarters, as we played with great intensity and resiliency," coach Karrie Redeker said. "Rock Valley deserves credit for their sustained effort as they are a very solid team. We're improving every game, and we'll definitely learn from this."

Rock Valley scored on their first possession, but the Cougars countered with free throws and a basket by Savannah Orgeron to keep pace. Jhanel Coleman added baskets inside and Cora DeSutter nailed a three-pointer from the top of the key, but RVC held a 21-17 first quarter lead. 

Both defenses tightened in the second quarter as play was fast and physical, but scoring was a struggle. Orgeron had two buckets, but then ICC went scoreless for three minutes and could not gain any ground, despite the solid defense. A runner by Addi Swadinsky and two Coleman baskets helped ICC stay within striking distance at 34-27 heading into intermission. 

The Cougars had just the start they needed coming out of the half, using strong defense and a balanced offensive attack that resulted in a 9-0 run. Miya Webb scored on a drive, Swadinsky scored two baskets, and Orgeron nailed a trey from the left baseline as ICC grabbed their first of eventually three leads at 36-34. RVC stole the lead back at 47-43 but a Noami Elliott jumper and scores by Coleman and DeSutter kept ICC close at 51-49 after three. 

RVC cranked up the pressure in the fourth quarter while ICC struggled to get stops, resulting in a 23-6 Eagle run over a five-minute stretch to take control of the game and a 74-55 lead with 3:06 remaining. The Cougars managed an Elena Redgate jumper and five points by Saniya Tutt, but it was a case of too little too late, as the Golden Eagles took the aforementioned 16-point victory. 

ICC STATISTICAL LEADERS
Miya Webb | 7 points, 8 assists
Savannah Orgeron | 15 points
Addi Swadinsky | 10 points, 3 assists, 3 rebounds, "I Beat the Dean"
Naomi Elliott | 4 points, 9 rebounds
Jhanel Coleman | 8 points, 3 rebounds
Imari McDuffy | 3 rebounds
Saniya Tutt | 5 points,3 rebounds
Paris Wilson | 2 assists
Elena Redgate | 8 points, 3 rebounds
Cora DeSutter | 5 points, 4 rebounds

WHAT'S NEXT FOR THE COUGARS
@ Millikin JV Big Blue
Wednesday, January 10th - 4:30 PM
@ Griswold Center - Decatur, Ill.
*No Video Stream Anticipated*
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