The Langston University Lady Lions continue their historic run, with a 24-2 overall record and a dominant 20-2 mark in the Sooner Athletic Conference. Langston looks to make a statement heading into the final stretch of the regular season.
On February 6th, Langston defeated the University of North Texas 71-57, showcasing their signature defensive intensity. The Lady Lions controlled the majority of the game, forcing turnovers and limiting UNT Dallas’ scoring opportunities. Two days later, on Feb 8, Langston secured a convincing 81-58 win over Nelson University. Graduate guard Mikayla Woods led the way with a double-double, scoring 20 points and grabbing 10 rebounds while contributing on both sides of the floor. Senior guard Jordan Brown added 17 points, while Diamond Richardson contributed 14 points in the dominant performance. “I just felt like we needed to start building the lead a little bit,” Brown said after scoring 15 first half points in this game. Head basketball coach Chris Vincent also praised both Brown and Woods for their unselfish play and high basketball IQ. “Yes, they can obviously fill it up, but they are the two most unselfish players,” Vincent said. “A lot of the time, they’re thinking, ‘What is the best play at this time?’ That’s what makes this whole group effective.”
STATS DO NOT LIE
Defense and open looks from play calls have been the key to success, as the Lions hold their opponents to a season average of just 49.0 points per game. They are first place not just in their conference, but in the entire NAIA. They average 12.7 steals per game, a testament to their aggressive on-ball pressure. In their last three wins, Langston forced a combined 65 turnovers, creating transition scoring opportunities that help them control the pace. The Lady Lions also dominate the boards, averaging 41.8 rebounds per game and outpacing opponents by 11.3 rebounds per contest.
FATIGUE SETTING IN? NOT FOR LANGSTON
With three games in five days in early February, fatigue could have been a factor, but Vincent emphasized that his team managed the schedule wisely.
“We actually did a team activity yesterday,” Vincent said. “They had partners and had to draw up plays. I told them I would pick the best three. It was hilarious. But for some reason or another, that translated into having our best energy, our best shootaround, and then into the game.”
LOOKING AHEAD
Langston just has a few more weeks of regular season basketball until the postseason starts, with their last game of the regular season against the Drovers at home on February 22nd. The team continues to stay focused heading into the postseason. “We know it’s going to be a battle, but we just have to keep playing our game and staying locked in,” Vincent said. With a winning percentage of over 90% and an average margin of victory of 20 points per game. It’s clear this team is eyeing for a NAIA title this March.
Joshua Heck
Joshua Heck is a junior broadcast journalism and computer science major
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The Gazette serves as the student voice of Langston University. It is produced within the Department of Communication as a teaching tool and local news source for the campus community. The views and opinions expressed within are those of the writers whose names appear with the articles and do not necessarily represent the views of Langston University.
