NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Life U 71, Freed-Hardeman 85
Records: Life U, 27-7; Freed-Hardeman, 29-5
KANSAS CITY, MO. – The No. 4 seed Life University men's basketball team exited in the Round of 16 after falling to the No. 1 seed Lions of Freed-Hardeman early Friday afternoon. Life U fell behind big early and remained unable to get back into the contest late.
The Lions opened the contest red-hot, jumping out to a massive 27-9 lead. Life U was slow to find offense, scoring just 11 points half way through the first.
Things continued to worsen for the Running Eagles as Freed-Hardmen continued to light it up from downtown. The strong shooting performance from the higher seed pushed the lead to 29 with 03:12 left in the half. A pair of free throws from Chaze Harris, a big three and tough finish from Srdjan Popovich provided late life.
Being out shot, 63.2% to 23.5% from beyond the arch in the first, Life U went to the break down 54-32. Popovich led in points with ten in the half, shooting 4-6 from the floor including a pair of threes.
The Running Eagles immediately went to work out of the break, cutting into the lead quickly. By the 12 minute mark of the half, Life U had cut the lead to single digits. Popovich continued to be at the forefront of the offense, knocking down two more big threes.
Trailing by eight with five minutes left, the Lions continued to hold Life U at arms length. The Running Eagles remained unable to get back in the contest and the game finished 87-71.
Popovich led the team with 16 points while Harris led the team in assists with 10.
This marks the end to a tremendous 2024-2025 season from the Life U Men's Basketball program.
TURNING POINT:
--The Lions came out red-hot in the contest, taking a massive lead in the first half.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
--Srdjan Popovich led the team with 16 points.
--Chaze Harris led the team with 10 and posted a double-double in the contest.
--Cortez Johnson had 12 points and four rebounds.
Find all the information on the 2025 NAIA Men's Basketball Tournament here.
