Cory Johnson's clutch performance lifted the No. 6-seed Bushnell Beacons to a stunning 71-70 victory over No. 3-seed Southern Oregon University in the Cascade Conference Championships quarterfinals on February 25. With just one-tenth of a second remaining, Johnson hit three free throws, following a foul while attempting a long shot after an intentionally missed free throw by SOU. This victory marked Bushnell's first playoff win since 2017 and gained considerable attention, with the game highlights amassing nearly 170,000 views on Instagram and over three million views on Barstool Sports. The intense matchup included four lead changes and five ties, showcasing the competitive spirit of both teams.

By the Numbers
  • Cory Johnson scored a game-high 25 points, adding eight assists and seven rebounds.
  • Bushnell shot 47% from the field, while Southern Oregon was outscored 19-6 on second chance points.
State of Play
  • With this victory, the Beacons improved their overall record to 14-14.
  • Southern Oregon, previously dominant in quarterfinals, had won their last seven in a row, showcasing the upset's significance.
What's Next

The Beacons will look to build on this momentum as they advance in the tournament, aiming for a deeper playoff run. Johnson's outstanding form could play a crucial role in their upcoming matches.

Bottom Line

Bushnell's remarkable upset over Southern Oregon underscores the power of resilience and teamwork, setting the stage for potentially more historic moments in their season. This game epitomizes the essence of sports drama: belief, skill, and the thrill of the unexpected.