Portland Bulldogs Upset No. 3 South Portland in Boys Basketball Quarterfinal

Sixth-seeded Portland advances to Class A South semifinals with 34-33 victory over fifth-ranked Red Riots

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The Portland Bulldogs pulled off a surprise upset in the Class A South boys basketball tournament, defeating the third-seeded and fifth-ranked South Portland Red Riots 34-33 in a quarterfinal matchup at the Portland Expo. Behind strong defensive efforts from Loic Ramazani and Cordell Jones, as well as 13 points and 4 blocks from Benilson Lumani, the sixth-seeded Bulldogs advanced to the semifinals against either top-seeded Windham or eighth-seeded Scarborough.

Why it matters

This victory is a significant accomplishment for the Portland Bulldogs, who were the lower-seeded team but were able to knock off a highly-ranked South Portland squad that was expected to advance further in the tournament. The win showcases the Bulldogs' defensive prowess and ability to limit the production of South Portland's top scorers, Gabe Jackson and Darius Johnson.

The details

Portland jumped out to a 16-6 halftime lead thanks to its stifling defense, which limited South Portland to just 6 points in the first half and forced 13 turnovers. The Red Riots made a late push in the fourth quarter with a pair of 3-pointers from Leonel Despacho, but the Bulldogs held on for the 34-33 victory. Ramazani and Jones combined to limit Jackson and Johnson to just 2 points on 2 shot attempts, while Lumani provided a strong interior presence with 13 points and 4 blocks.

  • The quarterfinal game was played on Saturday, February 14, 2026 at the Portland Expo.
  • Portland will face either Windham or Scarborough in the semifinals on Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 7:45 PM.

The players

Benilson Lumani

A key contributor for the Portland Bulldogs, scoring 13 points and blocking 4 shots in the quarterfinal victory.

Loic Ramazani

A Portland Bulldogs player who combined with Cordell Jones to limit South Portland's top scorers Gabe Jackson and Darius Johnson.

Gabe Jackson

A first-team SMAA all-star for the South Portland Red Riots, who was held to just 2 points in the quarterfinal loss.

Darius Johnson

Another first-team SMAA all-star for South Portland, who was also limited to 2 points in the defeat.

Leonel Despacho

A South Portland player who hit a pair of 3-pointers in the fourth quarter to help the Red Riots make a late push, finishing with a team-high 10 points.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.