Posted By: Richie Hall February 11, 2026
The REPORTER
University lost for the third time in their past four games Tuesday night at Lebanon, falling 63-61 to the host Tigers in another game that came down to the final seconds.
The Trailblazers again played from behind most of the night, leading for less than four minutes of the game. University fell into a 26-16 hole with 2:44 left in the first half, before outscoring Lebanon 9-0 the rest of the second quarter to trail just 26-25 at halftime.
The teams traded the lead early in the third quarter with University taking a 32-31 lead on Blake Gray’s three pointer. Lebanon jumped out to a 37-32 advantage on a pair of second chance baskets and eventually led 41-35 before the Trailblazers battled back. Josh Henderson scored on a rebound basket and made a three pointer to take a one-point lead. University appeared to gain momentum at the end of the third quarter when Noah Cortez stole the ball and passed ahead to Gray who completed a three-point play with 4.5 seconds left in the quarter for a 43-41 lead. Lebanon took the momentum right back draining a three pointer at the buzzer from the left wing for a 44-43 lead. University was never able to regain the lead.
A pair of Tigers free throws with 11.8 seconds left gave them a 62-57 lead. Cortez hit a three pointer from the left corner with 6.8 seconds left. Lebanon split two free throws to give University a last chance to tie the game, however the Tigers fouled Josh McGee with 2.5 seconds left before the Blazers could get a shot up. McGee’s first free throw was good, but attempting to miss the second free throw, the ball did not hit the rim giving Lebanon possession. The Tigers threw the inbound pass downcourt and ran out the clock.
Henderson led University with 26 points. Gray and Faisal Mohamud each had 12 points.
University is now 12-6 on the season and will play again Friday at Indianapolis Shortridge in the Pioneer Academic Athletic Conference third-place game.
Lebanon is 9-9.
