Bushnell, Southern Oregon Meet in NAIA Men’s Basketball Clash

ASHLAND, Ore. (Interstat) — The Bushnell Beacons and Southern Oregon Raiders, two teams seeking consistency, will face off in a non-conference men’s basketball game Saturday at Lithia Motors Pavilion.

Both teams enter with 4-4 records overall. The Beacons have won three straight, including an 86-76 road victory at Warner Pacific on Dec. 6. The Raiders (4-5) have won two consecutive games, most recently a 93-60 home win over Evergreen on Dec. 6.

Bushnell will rely on forward Kaleb Burnett, who is averaging 18.3 points and 9.0 rebounds per game during the team’s winning streak. He posted 23 points, eight rebounds and five assists in the win at Warner Pacific.

Southern Oregon counters with guard Elijah Jackson, who scored 19 points in the win over Evergreen. He has averaged 15.8 points over his last four contests.

In their last outing, Bushnell’s Cory Johnson added a double-double of 19 points and 12 rebounds alongside Burnett’s effort. For Southern Oregon in its latest win, Luke Wagstaff contributed 13 points and Trey Neff grabbed eight rebounds off the bench.

The game is a final non-conference tune-up before both teams begin Cascade Collegiate Conference play in January. Bushnell opens at home against Evergreen on Jan. 2. Southern Oregon hosts Simpson (Calif.) on Dec. 29 before hitting the road to start conference action.

Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. PST.