NEW BERLIN, IL – Conor McCaffrey delivered a legendary performance on Saturday night, scoring 41 points and dishing out eight assists to break the LSA All-Time career assists record, leading O.S. Springfield to a dramatic 74-69 victory over New Berlin.
In a game that saw one of the most intense finishes of the season, McCaffrey’s brilliance was nearly overshadowed by New Berlin’s Gannon Dodd, who erupted for 19 points in the final 2:12, cutting what was once a comfortable 13-point O.S. lead to a single point with just 6.7 seconds remaining.
Despite the late-game scare, O.S. Springfield made just enough plays down the stretch, holding on for their first victory at New Berlin since 2009 and extending their winning streak in the series to three games, snapping a 15-game losing skid to the Pretzels.
Coming into the game, all eyes were on McCaffrey, who was just eight assists shy of setting the LSA’s all-time career assist record. The senior floor general wasted no time taking control of the game, dictating the pace early while orchestrating O.S.’s offense to near perfection.
His scoring display was nothing short of sensational, as McCaffrey attacked New Berlin’s defense from all angles—knocking down threes, slicing into the lane for tough finishes, and setting up teammates for easy baskets. By the time the final buzzer sounded, he had officially etched his name into LSA history, securing the career assists record in the process.
“I could not be prouder of this group of guys and their toughness and ability to step up,” said O.S. coach Phillip Heppe, wrapping his arm around McCaffrey after the game. “Grit was a major part of it today, and Conor was incredible.”
While McCaffrey’s historic night was the defining storyline, his leadership was equally important, as O.S. Springfield was playing without its leading scorer, Jace Easley, who remains sidelined after dislocating his nose against Chatham Glenwood.
Without Easley’s offensive firepower, McCaffrey took on the role of primary scorer, playmaker, and leader, showing why he is considered one of the best guards in LSA history.
Despite O.S. leading for the majority of the game, New Berlin refused to go quietly—and Gannon Dodd made sure of it.
With O.S. Springfield holding a seemingly comfortable 13-point lead with under three minutes left, Dodd took over the game, putting together one of the most electrifying late-game performances in recent memory.
The sharp-shooting guard knocked down three consecutive three-pointers, each one bringing the home crowd to its feet. As O.S. struggled to handle New Berlin’s full-court pressure, Dodd converted an and-one floater, then drilled his sixth three-pointer of the night, cutting the lead to just 70-69 with 6.7 seconds remaining.
Suddenly, a game that seemed secure for O.S. was hanging in the balance.
However, Springfield’s composure prevailed. Despite New Berlin’s chaotic press, O.S. executed under pressure, drawing a foul and knocking down clutch free throws to push the lead back to two possessions, sealing the hard-fought win.
“Gannon (Dodd) was unbelievable,” said New Berlin coach Thomas. “When he gets into a rhythm like that, he’s nearly impossible to stop. We gave ourselves a chance, but O.S. executed when they needed to.”
With the win, O.S. Springfield improves to 29-6 overall and 14-4 in conference play, while continuing to weather the absence of Easley, their LSA Player of the Year candidate.
This marked the second straight victory without their star scorer, a clear testament to McCaffrey’s ability to elevate his game in crucial moments.
With a difficult stretch of games ahead, Heppe knows his team will need to continue to adapt.
“We knew coming in this would be a tough one,” Heppe said. “New Berlin wasn’t going down without a fight, but Conor was sensational, and our guys made the plays when we needed them. That’s what great teams do.”
With Easley’s return still uncertain, McCaffrey’s leadership and O.S. Springfield’s depth will be tested in the coming weeks. But if Saturday night was any indication, this team isn’t backing down from any challenge.