EUGENE, Ore. – Fifth-ranked Carroll College kept their undefeated record intact, holding off the Bushnell University men's basketball team in overtime in the Beacons' home opener on Friday night in the Morse Center.   
 
The Fighting Saints (9-0) were led by Jovan Sljivancanin who finished with 25 points, 16 rebounds and four steals. Carroll outrebounded Bushnell 38-32, including a 15-5 advantage in offensive boards.
 
Head Coach Eddie Alexander said, "Carroll did exactly what they do and they did it well tonight. We just weren't able to match the physicality in moments in order to keep them off the offensive glass."
 
The Beacons (1-3) trailed by two with just over seven minutes to go in regulation after a Dillon Young three-pointer brought the score to 59-57. Bushnell made four straight stops concluded with a Luke Smith steal and basket to tie the game at 59-59.
 
The Fighting Saints secured the next four points before Drayton Caoile (pictured) scored six for the Beacons in the last three and a half minutes, including the game-tying jumper as time expired to send the game to overtime.  
 
Carroll made the first basket in overtime and never gave up the lead. A pair of missed free throws gave the Beacons a chance as they trailed 72-68 with two minutes to go. Stevie Schlabach's jumper put the Beacons within two, but the Fighting Saints made their free throws down the stretch to hold on the win.
 
"Losing in overtime to a top-five team in the country is nothing to hang your head about, but in no way are we satisfied with a loss," said Alexander. "There are no moral victories with this team. Our guys take it personal, and that's why I know we are where we need to be as a unit. We are together and we are fighting for each other."
 
Schlabach led the Beacons with 18 points on the night. Caoile finished with 15 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Logan Sand and Kaden Sand added 10 points each.
 
Bushnell shot 47.9% from the floor, including a season-high 41.7% from beyond the arc.
 
The Beacons continue non-conference action with a game against Pacific Union College tomorrow at 8 p.m. in the Morse Center.