Langston Lions Dismantle Eastern Oregon 86-59, Roar Into NAIA Round of 16

Orlando Thomas erupts for 23 points as the Lions suffocate the Mountaineers defensively, advancing to Kansas City for the fourth consecutive year.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 11:51am

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The Langston University Lions came into Saturday's NAIA Men's Basketball Tournament's second round with a point to prove, and they made an emphatic statement toppling No. 12 Eastern Oregon 86-59. Three Lions scored in double figures, the offense shot 55% from the field, and Langston's defense held the Mountaineers to just 33% shooting over 40 minutes. This was a statement performance from a program now closely tied to NAIA excellence.

Why it matters

Langston University is one of the nation's most storied HBCUs, and its men's basketball program, under head coach Chris Wright, is writing a chapter worthy of that legacy. A 26-7 record and four straight Round of 16 appearances, led by a coach who produces at the NAIA's highest level, demonstrates the program's sustained excellence.

The details

Langston came out of the gate locked in, shooting 50% in the first half to build a 35-25 lead at the break. The second half belonged entirely to the Lions, as a 14-4 scoring run stretched the advantage to 49-29 at the 15:36 mark, and Eastern Oregon never got within 19 points again. The Mountaineers had no answers for Langston's length, pace, and defensive intensity.

  • The Lions secured a spot in the NAIA Men's Basketball Round of 16 for the fourth straight season under head coach Chris Wright.
  • Langston will now travel to Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Mo., to face No. 1 seed Oklahoma Wesleyan (30-3) in the NAIA Men's Basketball Round of 16 on Friday, March 20 at 5 p.m. CT.

The players

Chris Wright

The head coach of the Langston Lions men's basketball team, now in his fourth year leading the program.

Orlando Thomas

The Lions' leading scorer, erupting for a game-high 23 points in the win over Eastern Oregon.

Cameron McCoy

A key contributor for the Lions, adding 18 points in the victory.

Omar Henry

Providing depth for Langston, scoring 12 points in the dominant performance.

Eastern Oregon

The No. 12 seed that the Lions dismantled, holding them to just 33% shooting from the field.

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What they’re saying

“I'm really proud of our guys today, to respond — I thought we were pretty average yesterday. I didn't think we did a good job of following the gameplan versus Bethel, so as a coaching staff we really challenged our guys this morning.”

— Chris Wright, Head Coach, Langston Lions

“We came out and I thought this was the hardest we played all year. Eastern Oregon is extremely difficult to guard. I thought we did a great job of defending them and forcing them into a lot of tough possessions.”

— Chris Wright, Head Coach, Langston Lions

What’s next

The Lions will now face No. 1 seed Oklahoma Wesleyan (30-3) in the NAIA Men's Basketball Round of 16 on Friday, March 20 at 5 p.m. CT inside Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Missouri.

The takeaway

Langston University's men's basketball program, under the leadership of coach Chris Wright, has established itself as a consistent force in the NAIA tournament, earning four straight Round of 16 appearances. This dominant win over Eastern Oregon showcases the Lions' ability to execute at the highest level when the stakes are raised.