WILLIAM PENN CLAIMS 2O26 HEART MEN'S BASKETBALL CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE

The No. 2 seed William Penn University claimed the 2026 Heart of America Athletic Conference Men's Basketball Tournament Championship with a 95-90 overtime victory over No. 1 seed Graceland University on Tuesday evening. 

William Penn secured its first tournament title since 2023 and adds to its history of success in the event, which includes six overall conference tournament championships. 

Graceland opened the contest with a 15-2 run and led 46-39 at halftime. The Yellowjackets shot 44.3 percent from the field and 42.1 percent from three-point range, while the Statesmen finished at 42.2 percent from the floor and 40.0 percent from beyond the arc. 

William Penn responded early in the second half and took its first lead of the game at 49-48 following a three-pointer at the 17:09 mark. The teams traded leads throughout the period. Graceland held a 71-62 advantage with 9:11 remaining, but the Statesmen rallied down the stretch. 

A three-pointer with 2:58 left tied the contest at 78-78. William Penn converted two free throws with 38 seconds remaining in regulation to even the score at 80-80, and a defensive stop forced overtime. 

In the extra session, William Penn gained separation midway through the period. A three-pointer at the 3:00 mark put the Statesmen in front 85-82, and they maintained the lead for the remainder of overtime, converting key free throws in the final seconds to secure the win. 

William Penn held a 44-33 advantage in rebounds and finished with 11 turnovers, compared to nine for Graceland. 

Both teams conclude the season with 25-6 overall records. William Penn finished 16-4 in conference play during the regular season, while Graceland posted a 17-3 conference mark. 

With the victory, William Penn earns the conference's automatic berth to the NAIA Men's Basketball National Championship. Graceland also secured a berth to the NAIA National Tournament after claiming the Heart of America Athletic Conference Men's Basketball Regular-Season Title. 

The full 2026 NAIA Men's Basketball National Championship Selection Show will take place Thursday, March 5. First and Second Round sites will feature four teams competing in single-elimination contests on Friday and Saturday, March 13-14. The winner of each four-team site will advance to the NAIA National Championship Final Site in Kansas City, held March 19-24 at historic Municipal Auditorium.