NEW ALBANY, Ind. (Interstat) — In a game that defied pregame projections and required a final-second answer, the IU Southeast Grenadiers escaped with a 92-88 victory over the Brescia Bearcats in a men’s NAIA basketball game Tuesday night at the Activities Building.

The Grenadiers, who entered as overwhelming favorites with a 90% win probability according to Interstat’s ELO system, found themselves in a dogfight against a Brescia team that entered with only one win this season. The game was not decided until the final two seconds of regulation.

IU Southeast built an early double-digit lead, capitalizing on a sloppy start by the Bearcats. The Grenadiers led 45-35 after a first quarter marked by transition opportunities and efficient shooting. Jaden Johnson and Nathaniel Hoffman provided early offensive sparks for the home team.

Brescia, however, refused to fold. The Bearcats chipped away throughout the second quarter, fueled by the scoring of Israel Momodu and Jordan Cooke. Their persistence paid off in the closing moments. With the score tied at 88 and just six seconds remaining, IU Southeast’s Trent Hinkle missed a jump shot. Hoffman secured the offensive rebound and hit a put-back jumper to give the Grenadiers a 90-88 lead with two seconds left.

That sequence proved to be the most critical of the contest. On the ensuing inbounds play, Hinkle was fouled and calmly sank two free throws to seal the four-point victory, negating a last-second layup by Brescia’s Linkin Lockhart as time expired.

The win improved IU Southeast’s record to 8-4, while Brescia fell to 1-11. Despite the loss, the Bearcats showed significant fight against a team that had comfortably defeated them in the statistical forecast.

Key performances for the Grenadiers included Jaden Johnson, who provided consistent offense, and Nathaniel Hoffman, whose clutch rebound and basket provided the final lead. Trent Hinkle’s composure at the free-throw line iced the game.

For the Bearcats, Israel Momodu led a resilient effort with a versatile scoring display, including multiple three-pointers. Jordan Cooke also contributed significant offense, keeping Brescia within striking distance throughout the second quarter.

Both teams return to conference play later this week. IU Southeast travels to face WVU Tech on Saturday. Brescia visits Ohio Christian on Thursday.