OSKALOOSA, Iowa – The Indiana University Kokomo men's basketball team took down the No. 1 ranked William Penn Statesmen in thrilling fashion on Saturday, punching their ticket to Kansas City and the round of 16 at the NAIA Men's Basketball Championship final site. 
 
Julien Hunter was the hero of the night as the sophomore hit a floater as time expired, lifting IU Kokomo to a 93-92 victory over the Statesmen. The IU Kokomo win marks the first loss for William Penn on its home floor in three years and snapped the Statesmen 20-game winning streak. 
 
In a packed Penn Gymnasium, both teams and their fast-paced offenses got out to quick starts. William Penn took an early 9-4 lead, but the Cougars used a short 5-0 run to even the game. 
 
Trailing 13-11, Allante Harper scored 10 of the Cougars next 12 points to put IUK in front, 23-18. IU Kokomo remained in control for the duration of the first half as Tayson Parker drained a step-back triple as the buzzer sounded, sending the Cougars into the break with a 9-point advantage over the top-ranked Statesmen. 
 
Trequan Spivey led the Cougars with 15 points at the half while Harper and Parker each added 13. 
 
The No. 22 Cougars kept their foot on the gas early in the second half as a Desean Hampton layup gave them a 16-point lead, their largest of the game. But it was only a matter of time before the Statesmen offense would get going. With the Cougars leading 68-52, William Penn would use a 20-7 run to get within three of the IU Kokomo lead with just over 10 minutes to go in the game. 
 
With 8:42 left, it was a one-point game, but the Cougars used an 8-0 run to build their lead back to nine points. The Statesmen were not going away easy as they but the lead back to one with 14 seconds left. After a pair of missed free throws from the Cougars, William Penn had an opportunity to take the lead and did just that, converting a layup with six seconds left. On the ensuing inbounds, Harper took the ball the length of the court and dished off to Hunter who took care of the rest, giving the Cougars their 31st victory of the season and first trip to the Sweet 16 since the NAIA merged divisions. 
 
Spivey finished the game with 24 points and four assists while Harper added 22 and six assists. Parker finished with 16 in the win while Hampton added 11 points and seven boards. 
 
The Cougars will take on Concordia (Neb.) in the round of 16 at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City. Date and time are to be determined. 
 
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.