FHU to host first, second rounds of NAIA Men’s and Women’s National Basketball Tournaments

HENDERSON, Tenn. — For the first time in school history, Freed-Hardeman University’s Brewer Sports Center will host both the men’s and women’s first and second rounds of the NAIA National Basketball Tournaments, presented by Ballogy. Set for March 14-15, the tournament will bring six visiting teams from across the nation to Henderson as FHU welcomes the excitement of postseason play. While this marks the third time FHU has hosted the men’s first and second rounds, it is the first time the women’s tournament will also take center court.

Local tournament sponsors include E&T Contracting, Besso’s Coffee and Orion Building Corporation. General admission tickets are $15 per day for adults and $10 per day for students. Tickets, live stats and free live video streaming for all games are available at gofhulions.com.

The men’s tournament will tip off Friday at 1 p.m., with the Cornerstone University Golden Eagles (#8) taking on the Spring Arbor University Cougars (#9). The FHU Lions (#1) will face the Indiana University Southeast Grenadiers (#16) at 3 p.m.

The women’s tournament begins at 5 p.m., with the FHU Lady Lions (#2) battling the Johnson University Royals (#15). The final matchup of the day will feature the Florida Memorial University Lions (#7) against the Indiana University Northwest Red Hawks (#10) at 7 p.m.

Second-round games will take place Saturday, with the men’s winners playing at 2 p.m. and the women’s winners competing at 4 p.m.

While hosting two tournaments simultaneously presents logistical challenges, FHU Athletic Director Jonathan Estes is confident in the university’s ability to provide a top-tier experience for teams and fans.

“I think we do a great job of hosting,” Estes said. “We have an excellent facility, but more importantly, we strive to create a welcoming atmosphere. With our new digital boards, energetic crowds, strong community support and social media presence, we want to highlight and promote the student-athletes and their incredible seasons, making this a truly special experience for them.”

The FHU Lions enter the tournament as the reigning 2024 NAIA national champions, aiming to defend their title in front of their home crowd.

The mission of Freed-Hardeman University is to help students develop their God-given talents for His glory by empowering them with an education that integrates Christian faith, scholarship and service. With locations in Henderson and Memphis, FHU offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist and doctoral degrees. More information is available at fhu.edu.

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