Langston University Falls in NAIA Championship Rematch

The roar of the crowd echoed through Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Missouri, on March 24, 2026, but for the Langston University Lions, it wasn’t the sound of victory. In a heartbreaking rematch of the 2024 championship, the Lions fell to the formidable Freed-Hardeman Lions, 76-71, in overtime.

A Tough Rematch for the Championship

This game was more than just a championship final; it was a chance for Langston to avenge their 2024 loss to the same Freed-Hardeman team. Despite trailing by eight points in the second half, the Lions showed incredible grit, fighting back to within three points with less than two minutes left on the clock. However, they couldn’t quite close the gap against the eventual champions.

Freed-Hardeman secured their second championship in three years, while Langston finished their impressive season with a 29-7 record. It was a valiant effort from the No. 4 seed who battled their way to the final game.

Coach Wright’s Pride and Promise

Head Coach Chris Wright, though visibly disappointed, expressed immense pride in his team’s performance. “This is not our time yet,” he stated, “But I believe with my whole heart we’re going to be back and we’re going to win one of these one day.” He emphasized that the loss stings, but the team has nothing to be ashamed of.

Wright lauded his players for leaving everything on the court and highlighted their character. “These guys left everything they had out there,” he said. “They’re really good people. They care about each other. They love each other. They’re unselfish. And to see the growth we’ve had even in the past two or three weeks — I think that’s remarkable.”

The Road to the Championship

The Lions’ journey to the championship game was hard-fought. They earned their spot in the final by defeating Ave Maria in a thrilling overtime victory, 72-69. Orlando Thomas led the charge in that game, scoring 20 points, grabbing eight rebounds, and dishing out three assists. Antonio Lewis added ten points, with Tajahri Cave and Jay Wilson contributing eight points each.

Despite falling just short of the ultimate prize, the team’s resilience and growth throughout the season have clearly made a significant impact on their coach and fans alike. The future looks bright for Langston University basketball.