Freed-Hardeman (Tenn.) claims 2nd NAIA championship in 3 years with 76-71 win over Langston (Okla.)

) 76-71 on Tuesday night for its second NAIA championship in three seasons. Top-seeded Freed-Hardeman (35-1) won its 32nd straight game to secure the program's first Red Banner since 2024 — also against Langston. Horton gave Freed-Hardeman a 71-61 lead with 2:37 left before Langston battled back.

Langston freshman Jaden Williams converted a three-point play, following an offensive rebound, with 14. 5 seconds left to pull within 74-71. After a timeout, Freed-Hardeman ran off some time before Lane Lauderbaugh was fouled and made two free throws to seal it.

DJ McIntyre had 14 points for Freed-Hardeman. Anderson scored 10 of his points at the free-throw line to help Freed-Hardeman go 23 for 26. Orlando Thomas scored 20 points and Antonio Lewis added 10 for No.

4 seed Langston (29-8), which was battling for the Red Banner for the second time in three years. The Lions shot 51% from the field despite going 4 of 14 from 3-point range. Rico Sain made a putback shot just before the halftime buzzer to give Freed-Hardeman a 33-30 lead at the break.