WALESKA, Ga. —In the first major test of the 2025 season the No. 5 Freed-Hardeman University Lions came up short against the No. 22 Life (Ga.) University Running Eagles.
The Lions (3-1) were lights out from long range to start the game with
Phil Horton tallying three before
Caleb Thomas and
Sam Powell joined with triples to keep the game tied halfway through the opening frame at 21-21. The hosting Running Eagles then went on an 11-2 run to jump ahead to a 32-23 lead with 5:55 left before intermission. FHU would get a late push from back-to-back 3-pointers from Powell and free throws from
Lane Lauderbaugh and
Blake Dean pulled the Lions back within two points before quick buckets from Life ended the half with the Lions trailing 43-38.
Every shot made by the Lions was immediately answered by the Running Eagles (4-0). 3-pointers by Lauderbaugh and
DJ McIntyre kept the Lions within two possessions, but a seven-point run by the hosts kept FHU at bay. Horton's old-fashioned three-point play with 23 seconds pulled FHU within four points, but time ran out on the game with Life getting the 85-79 victory.
Sam Powell led all scorers with 23 points - including going 5-8 from beyond the arc.
Phil Horton's 16-point effort was joined by
Blake Dean with 10 points. Horton and Powell each pulled down five boards.
