The Kishwaukee men's basketball team lost for the 7^th straight game to open their conference schedule 97-88 at Illinois Valley.  The Kougars continued to struggle on the defensive end and earn enough stops to pull ahead of the Eagles during the 1^st half as Illinois Valley started off slowly in the game.  Kishwaukee would shoot well from outside going (4-9) from 3pt range but not be able to stop strong penetration from the Eagles guards.  The score would be tied 43-43 at the end of the 1^st half but Kishwaukee couldn't gain any momentum as the 2^nd half began turning the ball over for two easy scores by the Eagles.  The Kougars would never closer than 6pt the rest of the game.  The Kougars were unable to finish plays around the basket or resist forcing quick shots early in possessions to gain any consistency on the offensive end.  Kishwaukee's second half defense was not any better than the first half as the Eagles continued to get open looks and high percentage shots when they needed.  Kishwaukee will travel to Black Hawk College next Tuesday night for a 7:30pm game while looking for its first conference win and stop its current losing streak.