KOKOMO, Ind. - The IU Kokomo men's basketball team fell Tuesday night to IU Southeast 68-60 in the River States Conference Championship game.

The Cougars will now be forced to tune into Thursday nights NAIA Selection Show to see if they have done enough to earn an at-large via the NAIA Selection Show.

IU Kokomo scored first and led early, but IU Southeast's first three made field goals were three-pointers, and they led 9-5. Another triple gave the Grenadiers a ten-point lead at 17-7. 

Trailing 25-16, the Cougars scored ten-straight points to take a 26-25 lead with 5:22 remaining in the first half. The two teams traded baskets and the lead for the remainder of the half, and IU Kokomo took a 35-34 lead into the locker room.

IU Kokomo controlled play early in the second half, extending the lead to seven at 45-38. The Grenadiers would chip away at the deficit, and with 11:10 remaining in the game they tied the score at 50.

With IU Kokomo leading 52-50, IU Southeast utilized a 12-0 run to build a double-digit lead of their own with 5:42 left in the game. The Cougars would get within six points of the Grenadiers in the final minute, but IU Southeast would win the game 68-60 to clinch an automatic-bid to the NAIA Tournament.

Xavier Hines led IU Kokomo with 11 points, while Noah Harris was the Cougars only other double-digit scorer with ten points. Zach Rinehart seven points and nine rebounds.

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.