Mounties top Bushnell 56-45, strengthen conference title bid

Eastern Oregon University picked up a statement win at Quinn Coliseum on Jan. 17, defeating Bushnell University 56-45 behind a physical defensive performance and timely free-throw shooting. The Mounties improved to 17-1 overall and 9-1 in conference play, pushing their overall win rate to 94.4 percent and conference win rate to 90.0 percent through 18 and 10 games, respectively.

The game was controlled inside by a senior post player who scored 20 points and anchored the paint with multiple blocks and rebounds. Eastern Oregon limited Bushnell’s outside scoring opportunities, forcing contested looks and converting more trips to the foul line into points. The combination of interior defense and a larger share of successful free throws kept the visitors at bay and erased several early scoring runs.

For Union County and La Grande, the result reinforces a pattern of sustained success for the Mounties this season. Home-court advantage at Quinn Coliseum continues to be an asset as Eastern Oregon combines physical defense with a deliberate offensive approach that leans on senior leadership and interior scoring. The win also strengthens the program’s positioning in the conference standings heading into the latter half of the season, improving odds for favorable seeding in postseason play and the ability to host critical late-season games.

The tactical takeaway is clear: when Eastern Oregon controls the glass and converts at the line it suppresses opponent scoring and limits reliance on perimeter shooting. That defensive identity matters for long-term consistency; teams that defend the rim and win free-throw battles tend to have more stable outcomes across a season of travel and short turnarounds. The Mounties’ next challenge is a road game at Walla Walla University on Jan. 23, a matchup that will test whether Eastern Oregon can replicate its Quinn Coliseum defensive intensity in an away setting.

Local businesses and neighborhood supporters will watch how the team fares on the road, since continued wins keep attendance and community engagement strong for home stretches. For fans and families in Union County, the immediate implication is a team that is both title-competitive and worth following for the stretch run; for the program, the outcome solidifies a defensive blueprint to carry into conference play and postseason planning.