KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. – The Bushnell University men's basketball team erased a late 10-point deficit, tying the game with 33 seconds on the clock before No. 17 Oregon Tech converted a three-point play to take the Cascade Collegiate Conference Quarterfinal, 96-93.
 
Bushnell trailed 84-74 with six minutes to go, inching their way back to create a thrilling finish. The Beacons were still down by seven with 45 seconds to play before five consecutive free throws from Kaden Sand brought the score to 93-91. The Beacons got a stop and Sand was fouled on a three-pointer, going perfect at the line in the critical 5-0 run.  
 
Another Owl miscue gave the Beacons a chance to tie it up as Trevon Richmond got the steal and a layup to bring the score to 93-93. Jamison Guerra converted the game-winning three-point play, drawing the foul on his made layup to put the Owls up by three with six seconds to play. Bushnell missed a final attempt from beyond the arc.  
 
Head Coach Eddie Alexander said, "It was a hard-fought game tonight with a lot of whistles. It was hard to get into a flow. With Stevie and Cory both in foul trouble, Caden Long stepped up and played huge minutes for us."
 
Sand finished with a career-high 35 points to lead all scorers, adding a game-high 10 rebounds for his third double-double of the year. Spencer Hoffman recorded 20 points on 8-of-12 shooting, while Alexis Angeles wrapped up his career with a season-high 19 points, scoring 15 in the first half.
 
"Kaden had a phenomenal game tonight," said Alexander. "He showed the kind of player he has become this evening. I was very proud of him. It's a tough way to end the season for our seniors, but I could not be more proud of those five guys."
 
Kam Osborn, Blake Jensen, and Jackson Cooper finished with 17 points apiece for OIT. Guerra added 15 points and seven rebounds, while Kody Bauman recorded 12 points and a team-high nine boards.
 
Oregon Tech had 44 chances at the free throw line tonight, making 35. The Owls held a 43-29 margin in rebounding, including 14 offensive boards.
 
Bushnell finishes the 2023-24 season with a 15-14 overall record and 12-10 mark in conference play.