Royals Fall to IU Kokomo on the Road, 89–72

The Royals couldn't overcome a big first half from IU Kokomo on Saturday night, falling 89–72 at the MeadowView Convention Center.

IU Kokomo came out firing, putting up 49 first-half points to build a 25-point halftime lead. Johnson responded with a strong second half, scoring 48 points after the break, but the early deficit proved too much to overcome.

Davon Cottle led the Royals with 20 points on 6-of-11 shooting, including five makes from beyond the arc. Mason Lockhart posted a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds, while Dallas Carbaugh added 13 points and seven boards. Ja'Kobe Strozier provided a boost off the bench with 8 points.

Johnson shot 41% from the floor and knocked down 10 threes, but IU Kokomo countered with a highly efficient night—shooting nearly 58% overall and getting 27 points from Joseph Annan Jr. and 26 from Patric Matson.

With the loss, the Royals move to 2–5 on the season.