Three players scored in double figures for No. 1 seed Langston University, but the Lions fell short 71-67 to Freed-Hardeman (Tenn.) in the 86th Annual NAIA Men’s Basketball National Championship game. The Lions conclude their season at 352.

The Lions led 67-66 with 40 seconds remaining when Langston’s G’Quavious Lennox turned the ball back over to FHU, allowing J.J. Wheat to draw a foul on Ronald Mitchell. Wheat knocked down both free throws to put Freed-Hardeman (Tenn.) in front 68-67 with 35 seconds remaining.

On the ensuing offensive possession. Anthony Roy couldn’t convert on a layup attempt despite drawing contact at the rim. FHU’s Geraldo Lane was able to corral the rebound long enough to get it back to Wheat who converted on a fastbreak bucket to put the Lions ahead 7067.

Langston had one last shot to tie when Lennox launched a three-pointer that hit off the rim, sealing the eventual 7167 loss.

Roy led Langston in scoring with 17 points on five-of-12 shooting. Cortez Mosley added 14 and Toru Dean finished with 12. Collectively, Langston hit 42 percent (23-of-55) overall and converted on 13-of-21 free throw attempts.

Despite the defeat, the Lions had another banner year under second-year head coach Chris Wright. Langston finished the season at 35-2 and made their first NAIA National Championship appearance in program history. The Lions also picked up the Sooner Athletic Conference regular season and conference tournament titles for the second straight year, six All-SAC selections (Roy, Mosley, Dean, D’Monte Brown, Ronald Mitchell and Jay Allen-Tovar).

Additionally, Roy was named SAC Player and Newcomer of the Year, Mosley was named SAC Defensive Player of the Year and Wright picked up his second consecutive John Hudson Coach of the Year award.