#USA #Henderson #NAIA #Freed-Hardeman #Phil Horton

Freed-Hardeman Lions Celebrate Second NAIA Championship Title

On the evening of March 24, 2026, the Freed-Hardeman University (FHU) Lions basketball team etched their name in history by clinching the NAIA Men's Basketball National Championship for the second time in three years. In a thrilling matchup against the Langston Lions, FHU triumphed with a score of 76-71, bringing the prestigious Maude Naismith Trophy back to Henderson, Tennessee.

The victory wrapped up a stellar season for the Lions, who finished with an impressive record of 35 wins and just one loss. Their season was marked by a staggering 32-game winning streak, highlighting their dominance in the sport. This remarkable achievement wasn't restricted to just their wins; they managed to navigate through a highly competitive Mid-South Conference schedule, remaining undefeated and showcasing their prowess against formidable opponents.

FHU had a strong performance throughout the season, having already claimed their fourth consecutive Mid-South Conference Tournament championship, a feat that speaks volumes to their consistency and hard work. As they transitioned into the national tournament, the momentum was palpable, and fans were eager to see how this talented team would fare on the national stage.

During their time in Kansas City for the NAIA National Tournament, the Lions faced three intense matches within five days. Each game brought its own challenges, but the focus and determination of the players did not waver. Their path led them to a much-anticipated rematch against Langston, a team they faced in the finals two years prior.

Phil Horton, a key player for the Lions, delivered a standout performance in the championship game, contributing 18 points and six rebounds. His exceptional skills on the court were acknowledged when he was named the Chuck Taylor Tournament Most Valuable Player. Horton expressed his feelings about this championship win compared to the previous one: "This one feels special. I know how hard it is to win it once, so winning it twice is amazing." It was evident throughout the game that Horton’s leadership and performance were instrumental in guiding his team to victory.

Adding to the excitement, Jailen Anderson helped secure the win by scoring 16 points, notably going 10-for-11 from the free-throw line. DJ McIntyre also made significant contributions to the scoreboard with 14 points, underlining the collective effort of the team in this momentous victory.

FHU's Athletic Director, Jonathan Estes, praised the coaching staff of Head Coach Drew Stutts and Assistant Coach Grant Burns for their role in raising the team's standards. Estes remarked, "It's really impressive what they've been able to do with different players," emphasizing the adaptability and skill development that has become synonymous with the program.

The victory was not only a point of pride for the players and coaching staff, but also for the entire FHU community. President David R. Shannon and fellow fans attended the championship game and expressed how wonderful it was to see the team succeed on such a grand stage. Dr. Matt Cook, an FHU Bible professor, attended the event and was particularly pleased to witness some of his students shine in the championship. He beamed with pride at the notable performances of freshmen Caleb Thomas and Rodney Henderson, highlighting the positive impact of the tournament and the level of talent present in the team.

In the days following their championship win, the entire campus is set to celebrate the Lions’ incredible achievement. The contributions of these athletes to the university’s legacy will not be forgotten, as FHU aims to honor their journey and success. With plans for a grand celebration underway, it is clear that this championship win will resonate throughout the university and community for years to come.