BEMIDJI, Minn. (BSU Gymnasium) -- Turnovers and a rebound difference of 12 boards led to an 87-64 loss for the Bemidji State University men's basketball team Thursday night at home against the University of Minnesota Duluth. The Bulldogs turned 15 Beaver turnovers into 22 points as BSU falls to 3-3 overall and 0-2 in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference play.

Minnesota Duluth took an early jump on Bemidji State with a quick 5-0 run that was extended to a 13-2, 11-point lead just over four minutes into action. The Beavers gave away four turnovers and went 1-of-2 from the field before senior guard Tyler Behrendt sank a 3-pointer to limit the damage. The Bulldogs, fueled by a 47.1 field goal percent and six 3-pointers in the first half, pulled ahead by 20, 35-15, with 7:03 in the half. Seniors Mohamed Kone and Derek Thompson each scored four points before halftime to limit the deficit to 16, 43-27, heading into halftime.

Bemidji State opened the second half on a 13-6 run, sparked by an and-one conversion by senior guard Travis Bianco. Five different Beavers scored during the run, including a fast break dunk by Kone to spark the gym and continue momentum for BSU. After trailing 49-42 with 15:50 to play, BSU continued to hit nearly half of its field goals but wasn't able to match UMD's shots down the stretch.

The Beavers shot 43 percent from the field (23-54) compared to 51 percent for the Bulldogs (35-68). UMD also outshot BSU from 3-point range, 10-6, and won the rebound margin, 41-29.

Sophomore forward John Sutherland led the Beavers with 14 points on 6-of-8 shooting followed by senior guard Travis Bianco with 10 points. The duo were the only Beavers to reach double-digit scoring while senior forward Derek Thompson led BSU on the boards with eight rebounds.

Bemidji State continues its weekend with a trip to face St. Cloud State University at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4 in St. Cloud, Minn.

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).

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