BEMIDJI, Minn. (Chet Anderson Stadium) -- The running back duo of senior Tahi Nomane and junior Andrew Lackowski helped Bemidji State University rush to a 45-19 Saturday afternoon over University of Mary at Chet Anderson Stadium. Lackowski led the Beavers (4-2, 2-0 Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference North) with a career-high 163 rushing yards and three total touchdowns while Nomane added 100 rushing yards to power the win over the Marauders (0-6, 0-2 NSIC North).

Lackowski converted his first rushing touchdown of the day late in the first quarter, despite the Beavers struggling to find consistency in the quarter. U-Mary went on drives of 71 and 50 yards in the second quarter to take its only lead of the game, 13-7. Off of the ensuing kickoff following the Marauders game-leading score, Lackowski helped drive the ball into the end zone with his second rushing touchdown of the day from one yard out. The BSU defense forced a three-and-out with 1:25 in the first half to set up a historic kick for junior kicker Isaac Aanerud. He converted a 41-yard field goal try as the first half expired to become BSU’s all-time leading field goal kicker with 27 in his career. The memorable boot gave BSU a 17-13 lead at the half.

The Beavers found their footing in the second half and outgained the Marauders, 249-94, while allowing zero yards to U-Mary in the third quarter. The Beavers defensive unit forced the Marauders to five three-and-outs and six total punts in eight second half possessions to set up the offense to take control of the game.

Lackowski racked up 97 of his total rushing yards in the second half while the offense scored touchdowns on four of its first five possessions. Nomane punched in his third rushing touchdown of the season while Lackowski followed on the next possession with his fourth receiving touchdown of the season. Senior quarterback Jordan Hein threw two touchdown passes in the fourth quarter to senior wide receiver Christian Lunde and sophomore wide receiver Jacob Anderson for the 45-19 final score.

Senior linebacker Trysten Ross led all Beavers defenders with eight total tackles, three coming unassisted, while adding an assisted sack. The "Gang Green" defense held the Marauders to 215 total yards, including 103 rushing after U-Mary entered the game averaging 225.6 per game. The BSU defense totaled seven tackles for a loss and forced nine punts, including eight three-and-outs.

Hein finished with 194 yards and three touchdowns while finding eight total receivers on the day. Lunde led all receivers with 61 yards while senior wide receiver Blake Holder led with four receptions for 48 yards. Lackowski and Nomane each averaged 8.1 and 7.1 yards per carry, respectively.

Bemidji State heads out for a two-weekend road trip beginning Saturday, Oct. 14 with a drive down Highway 2 for a contest against Minot State University. The Beavers squads will kick-off at 1 p.m. from Herb Parker Stadium in the 19th game of the all-time series.

For more information on the Bemidji State athletic programs, tickets or schedules, visit BSUBeavers.com, follow the Beavers on Twitter (@BSUBeavers or @BSUBeaversFB), like them on Facebook (facebook.com/BSUBeavers or facebook.com/BSUBeaverFootball) or sign up for the TXTUpdates from BSUBeavers.com text-messaging system through the "Multimedia" pull down menu on the main page of BSUBeavers.com.

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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