KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Langston University men's basketball continues their quest for the NAIA Men's Basketball National Championship today, March 23 at the Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Mo. Here's a quick preview and rundown of information for Lions fans to answer the most frequently asked questions leading up to the game.
The Matchup
The No. 4 seed Langston Lions (28-7) advanced to the NAIA Men's Basketball National Tournament Fab Four after defeating No. 2 seed Rocky Mountain (Mont.) 60-55 on March 21st in the NAIA National Tournament Quarterfinal Round. The Lions are set to face No. 3 seed Ave Maria (30-4) at 7:30 p.m. today, March 23, inside the historic Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Mo.
About the Gyrenes
Ave Maria (Fla.) enters the Fab Four matchup at 30-4 after knocking off No. 1 seed Grace University 99-86 on March 21st.. The Gyrenes are based out of Ave Maria, Fla. and qualified for the NAIA Men's Basketball National Championship by winning the Sun Conference Tournament championship. They are making their fourth appearance in the NAIA Men's Basketball National Tournament in program history.
Offensively, the Gyrenes are led by six players that average double figures in Michael Klekas (17.3 ppg), Jonathan Effertz (15.2 ppg), Jack Watkins (13.7 ppg), Marlon Bennett (13.9 ppg), Alex Sherwood (12.4 ppg) and Jaylen White (11.1 ppg). Klekas and Sherwood were named All-Sun First Team and Bennett and Watkins picked up selections to the All-Sun Second Team
Ave Maria is led by head coach Jamon Copeland, who is in his 11th season leading the Gyrenes, Copeland has led Ave Maria to three straight NAIA Men's Basketball National Tournament appearances.
About the Lions
Langston (Okla.) enters the Fab Four Round matchup at 28-7 overall after defeating No. 2 seed Rocky Mountain (Mont.) 60-55 on March 21st in the NAIA National Tournament Quarterfinal Round. Langston qualified for the NAIA National Tournament as an At-Large big and is making their fourth straight tournament appearance under head coach Chris Wright. Monday night's matchup marks the second time the Lions have made the Fab Four round in program history.
Offensively, Langston boats three players averaging double figures in Orlando Thomas (15.7 ppg), Antonio Lewis (12.0 ppg) and Trey Clarke (11.1 ppg). Omar Henry is right behind them at 9.9 points per game. Thomas was named the Sooner Athletic Conference Newcomer of the Year and SAC All-Conference First Team; Henry was selected to the SAC All-Conference Third Team and Clarke was named to the SAC All-Conference Honorable Mention team.
The Lions are led by Chris Wright who is in his fourth year as head coach. Wright, his four years at the helm, holds a 120-20 win-loss mark at Langston University and has led the Lions to the Fab Four round in two out of four seasons.
Q: What time is the game?
The No. 4 seed Langston Lions (28-7) tip-off on Monday, March 23 at 7:30 p.m. CT against No. 3 Ave Maria (Fla.) University.
Q: Where is the NAIA National Tournament being held? How much are tickets?
The 88th annual NAIA Men's Basketball National Championship takes place in Kansas City, Mo. at the historic Municipal Auditorium.
Tickets for the men's tournament are $25 per day for adults, NAIA students with NAIA student ID are $12 per day (available at box office only), high school students with student ID are $10 per day (available at box office only), student (ages 5-12) are $6 per day and kids (ages 4 and under) are free.
Tickets are available at the Municipal Auditorium Box Office or at Ticketmaster.com. For additional ticketing information click here.
Q: I will not be able to attend the game, how can I stay updated?
The NAIA Men's Basketball National Tournament will be streamed LIVE and for FREE on the Urban Edge Network at . ive statistics are available at the link here and as always follow us on X (@langstonsports), Instagram (@langstonsports) and Facebook (@langstonsports) for the latest updates.
