DULUTH, Minn. (Romano Gymnasium) – In the Bemidji State University women’s basketball’s first overtime time of the season, just one extra period wouldn’t be enough against University of Minnesota Duluth. The Beavers (4-3, 0-3 NSIC) came back from 11 points to push for overtime, but fell just short 81-79 in the weekend Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference finale.
Saturday’s contest was the first overtime game for the Beavers since the 2013-14 season, when the team went to two overtimes in a loss to University of Mary. Sierra Senske, BSU’s leading scorer through the first four quarter, exited the game during the first overtime period due to foul trouble. The Beavers’ defense ultimately led to the extra periods while holding the Bulldogs to three fourth-quarter points, after entering the final quarter down, 48-40.
Senske led the Beavers offensive attack during the first quarter, totaling 10 points in the opening period. Bemidji State forced eight missed shots by Minnesota Duluth while taking its largest lead of six points, 13-7, at the 3:30 mark. A total of 10 missed shots by the Bulldogs and 16 rebounds by the Beavers led to a 17-16 lead heading into the second quarter.
UMD opened the next quarter on a 5-1 run before Tatum Sheley knocked down a 3-pointer to tie the game, 21-21. Both teams traded scores over the next six minutes while heading into halftime. Sheley scored two points while Sarah Durand and Aimee Pelzer chipped in an additional three points to head into the break trailing, 29-26.
While the Bulldogs opened the second half with a layup, Pelzer sank her first 3-pointer of the game. The Beavers continued with seven missed shot opportunities as the Bulldogs took a 40-29 lead halfway through the third quarter. The 11-point lead was the largest of the night for either team, but the Beavers would quickly erase the deficit in the fourth quarter.
Senske again kick-started the Beavers’ scoring efforts in the closing quarter while scoring three points. Bemidji State’s defense was the difference-maker, though, holding Minnesota Duluth to 1-of-11 shooting from the field. The Bulldogs were unable to convert a shot until nine second remaining in regulation. With the final seconds of the fourth quarter waning, Senske went up for a shot with contact against her, but without a foul called to send the game to overtime.
The Beavers faced opportunities to win the game during each of the first two overtimes, after both teams traded baskets and free throws. Hanna Zerr was unable to convert on a jumper during the first overtime while Pelzer tried to seal the game with a 3-point attempt, but bounced out to advance the game to triple overtime. The Beavers held a four-point lead in the final period while a layup and 3-pointer from the Bulldogs regained a one-point lead. Free throws from Sheley regained the lead before UMD took the lead again for good. BSU missed five field goals to close out the game, including the final shot at the buzzer.
Bemidji State finished shooting 22.1 percent (19-86) from the field and 80 percent (36-45) from the free throw line. The Beavers outrebounded the Bulldogs, 65-58, but UMD scored 20 points off 17 BSU turnovers. Pelzer finished with 23 points including 11-of-14 shots from the free throw line while Senske recorded her first double-double of the season with 22 points and 11 rebounds.
Bemidji State returns home for its first home NSIC games while hosting Augustana University and Wayne State College in BSU Gymnasium.
Nestled in Northern Minnesota’s wooded region and located on the shore of Lake Bemidji, Bemidji State University sponsors 15 varsity athletic programs with NCAA Division I men’s and women’s hockey membership in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, while its 13 NCAA Division II programs hold membership in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC).
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