Rocky Men's Basketball experienced a heartbreaking exit from the NAIA National Championship, falling 60-55 to Langston University in the Quarterfinals. The Battlin' Bears nearly pulled off a comeback, sparked by Omari Nesbit scoring 13 of his game-high 21 points in the final minutes, trimming a ten-point deficit to just three. Despite a solid effort, Rocky's last-second attempt to tie fell short, marking their first loss of 2026 and ending a remarkable 21-game win streak. This defeat also concluded a historic season under first-year head coach Danny Neville.

By the Numbers
  • Omari Nesbit scored a game-high 21 points, including 13 in the last four minutes.
  • Rocky shot 38% from the field and only 21.7% from three-point range, while missing 10 of 22 free-throw attempts (54.5%).
State of Play
  • Rocky held a narrow lead in the first half but fell behind after Langston's strong run before halftime.
  • The Battlin' Bears had a tough shooting night, struggling particularly from three-point range and the free-throw line.
What's Next

Going forward, Rocky will look to build on this season's achievements as they head into the offseason. Key player development and potential recruits will be central to maintaining momentum and addressing the shooting challenges faced in this game.

Bottom Line

Despite the disappointing end, Rocky's season showcased significant progress and established a foundation for future success. With record wins and accolades, the Battlin' Bears are poised for a bright future under the guidance of Coach Neville.