The Peru State Men's Basketball Team won the Heart of America Conference Tournament on Monday Night after taking on Baker University in Baldwin City, Kansas. The Bobcats took the win in a thrilling battle with seven lead changes, but the Bobcats pulled out the win 63-59.
 
The Bobcats started out the first half with a free throw by Sayvon Traylor after a technical foul on the Wildcats for shot clock malfunctions. The Bobcats pushed to take the lead with the help of a three by Carlos Hines, the Bobcats got their lead up to eight points only five minutes into the half. The Wildcats fought back as they began to close the gap at the end of the half. The score was tied 26-26 going into halftime. The Bobcats had a big defensive first half as they tallied 20 rebounds, five steals and two blocks against the Wildcats.
 
Going into the second half, it was anyone's game. The Wildcats took a quick six-point lead and were able to hold the lead until a jumper by David Wingett Jr., took it back for the Bobcats. The Wildcats didn't give up and were able to take the lead back which they held until a free throw by Carlos Hines tied up the game at 54-54 with only 2:44 left in the game. Carlos Hines gave the Bobcats a two-point lead with only 0:57 left. A Wildcat foul and a free throw by Carlos Hines made it a three-point game before a made Baker jump shot with 0:11 on the clock. With only 10 seconds left and the Championship on the line, the Bobcats stayed disciplined. Skyler Wilson shot 6/6 from the free point line after three Wildcat fouls to keep and extend the Bobcats lead. The Bobcats took the win and became the 2024 Heart of America Conference champions 63-59.
 
Carlos Hines led the team with 16 points, three rebounds, two steals and a block. Sayvon Traylor had 13 points for the Bobcats with three rebounds. Ajantae Hogan had 10 points with seven rebounds and two steals. David Wingett Jr had eight points with three rebounds and two steals against the Wildcats. Amir Poat had 14 rebounds and seven points with Skyler Wilson having seven points with three rebounds.