Statistically, it was a game one might have expected Bemidji State to dominate. Playing before a Homecoming crowd of 1,676, Bemidji State outgained NCAA Division II newcomer Mary by 195 yards, 362-167; put up 21 first downs to Mary’s eight; ran 84 plays on offense to Mary’s 44, and held the advantage in time of possession by nearly 15 minutes.

Yet the Maruaders capped a five-play, 53-yard scoring drive with a four-yard pass from Blair Sandy to Justin Fleck with 41 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, helping Mary to a 27-21 victory over the Beavers.