ASHLAND, Ore. (Interstat) — The Southern Oregon Raiders overcame a massive first-half deficit and a late collapse in regulation to outlast the Bushnell Beacons 77-67 in overtime in a Cascade Collegiate Conference men’s basketball game Saturday night.

The game turned on a dramatic and improbable shift in momentum after halftime. Bushnell, which entered the game with a 4-5 record, played a near-perfect first half, shooting with remarkable efficiency to build a commanding 65-39 lead by intermission. The Beacons’ offense was fluid, led by the sharp shooting of guards Squeeky Johnson and Cory Johnson, who consistently found answers for every Southern Oregon basket.

Southern Oregon, now 6-5, appeared staggered. The Raiders’ defense offered little resistance, and their offense was disjointed, committing numerous turnovers against an energized Bushnell squad.

The entire complexion of the contest changed after the break. The Raiders emerged from the locker room with renewed defensive intensity, completely stifling the Beacons’ attack. What followed was a historic defensive stand. Bushnell was held to just two points in the entire second half, a stunning reversal of fortune. The Beacons went scoreless for stretches exceeding 10 minutes as shots that fell in the first half clanged off the rim and turnovers mounted.

Southern Oregon’s offense, led by Gio Evanson, methodically chipped away at the lead. Evanson scored 15 of his game-high 25 points after halftime, keying the rally. His 3-pointer with 2:57 left in the second half gave the Raiders their first lead since the game’s opening minutes at 73-71. Bryce Dyer provided a crucial interior presence, pulling down 14 rebounds to help Southern Oregon control the glass during the comeback.

Bushnell’s offensive drought extended into the final seconds of regulation. Trailing by two, the Beacons finally broke their scoring famine from the field, tying the game to force overtime. However, the emotional and physical toll of the comeback was evident.

In the extra period, Southern Oregon’s momentum proved insurmountable. The Raiders dominated overtime, holding Bushnell scoreless while executing efficiently on offense to seal the 10-point victory. The Beacons, who scored 65 points in the first half, managed only two points over the final 25 minutes of play, encompassing the entire second half and overtime.

Evanson’s 25-point performance paced Southern Oregon. Brady Rice added 11 points and eight rebounds, while Joe Juhala finished with nine points, nine rebounds and two blocks. For Bushnell, the offensive output was concentrated in the first half, with Cory Johnson and Squeeky Johnson leading the way before the team-wide second-half freeze.

The victory gives Southern Oregon a winning record as conference play continues. Bushnell, meanwhile, must regroup after a defeat that saw a 26-point halftime lead evaporate. According to Interstat’s ELO system, Southern Oregon was projected with a 79.10 percent probability to win before the game, a forecast that seemed wildly inaccurate at halftime but ultimately proved correct.

Southern Oregon is scheduled to host Simpson on Monday. Bushnell’s next game is at home against Evergreen on Jan. 2.