BEMIDJI, Minn. (BSU Gymnasium) -- The Bemidji State women's basketball team overcame early obstacles against Minnesota State University Moorhead Friday night, coming away with a 69-68 win despite being behind for over 36 minutes of the game. A nine-point advantage over the second half improved the Beavers to 4-4 overall and 2-2 in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference.

Winning the jump and taking the coveted first points off the board, the Beavers made strong attempts at keeping themselves on top, but early fouls from the Beavers put them in a tight spot going forward. With spending only two minutes ahead for the majority of the game, the Beavers had to fight late in the fourth quarter to come out with the win.

Late in the fourth, center Rachael Heittola tied up the game at 61 after a banked free throw. The sophomore then went on to shoot the game-winning free throw, putting the score at 66-65 in favor of the Beavers. With three more free throws from junior guards Maddie Schires and Coley Rezabek, the Beavers were able to increase the gap. A last second three-point from the Dragon's Natalie Jens wasn't enough, and in the end, it came down to Heittola's single shot, Beavers taking the win 68-65.

Bemidji State outshot Minnesota State in field goal percentage, sinking 46 percent of shots from the field versus Minnesota State's 40 percent. Beavers were led in points by senior guard, Brooklyn Bachmann, who marked 15 points, six rebounds and three assists. BSU came strong off the bench, amassing one third of its points from non-starting members.

The Beavers will look to play Northern State University Saturday night, Dec. 11 at 5:30 p.m. at the BSU Gymnasium.

For more information on the Bemidji State athletic programs, tickets or schedules, visit BSUBeavers.com, follow the Beavers on Twitter (@BSUBeavers), like them on Facebook (facebook.com/BSUBeavers).

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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