MINOT, N.D. (MSU Dome) -- The scoring duo of junior guard Maddie Schires and sophomore center Rachael Heittola combined to score 34 points to lead Bemidji State University to a 73-62 win at Minot State University Saturday evening at the MSU Dome in Minot, N.D. The Beavers of BSU (6-5, 4-3 Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference) outscored MiSU, 24-14, to take control of the game.

Both Heittola and Schires scored 17 points each, including six fourth-quarter points by Heittola, to lead Bemidji State in the comeback win. BSU hit a season-high 14 3-point field goals while limiting MiSU to just two 3-point field goals on the night.

The Beavers of Minot State went on a 7-0 run to start the game before senior guard Sydney Zerr hit the first of her three 3-point field goals to keep Bemidji State within four, 7-3. MiSU extended its lead to double-digits two minutes later, 15-5, before BSU went on a 14-9 run to end the first quarter trailing, 24-19.

Bemidji State went on to out score Minot State in the second quarter, 24-14, sparked by five straight points from junior guard Coley Rezabek to start the period. Senior forward Claire Wolhowe came up with five straight points for BSU to give BSU it's first lead since the first quarter, 29-28. Schires made her first 3-point basket to give BSU its final lead of the game, 35-32, with 4:17 to play in the first half.

Bemidji State extended its lead to five points at halftime, 43-38, before a 6-2 run to push the lead to nine points, 53-44. Schires made her fifth and final 3-pointer of the night to start the fourth quarter, giving BSU a 13-point, 59-46 lead. Minot State climbed within single digits of Bemidji State, but failed to make a comeback as BSU hit 11-of-14 free throws to seal the game in the fourth quarter.

BSU shot 43.4 percent from the field (23-53), 43.8 percent from long range (14-32) and 72.2 percent from the free throw line (13-18). Bemidji State won the rebound battle, 39-33, and won the game despite MiSU taking the advantage in points off turnovers, 22-12, points in the paint, 32-14, and second-chance points, 11-6.

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

--bsu--