BISMARCK, N.D. – Bemidji State University Men's Basketball secured a victory over the University of Mary with a final score of 72-70 on Saturday Bismarck, N.D. Daxton Dayley led the Beavers with a career-high 20 points in his double-double performance.
 
In the first half, Bemidji State trailed by just one point, finishing the half 38-39. The scoring was led by Jalen Patterson, who contributed significantly with a series of successful shots, including a layup at 16:20 and a jumper at 19:50, and also assisted on key plays. Daxton Dayley was effective from beyond the arc, hitting multiple 3-pointers, with one at the 18:30 mark that briefly tied the game at 15. John Sutherland supported with a strong performance, including a fast-break dunk at 13:15 and a free throw that tied the score again at 19. Despite Bemidji's efforts, the Marauders maintained a slight edge with consistent scoring throughout the half.
 
Bemidji State's second half against the Marauders featured a series of strategic plays that kept the game competitive. Malang Athian scored a jumper at the 17:32 mark to bring the score to 40-42, contributing to Bemidji State's eventual 34-point half. Key defensive rebounds by Tate Olson supported the team's efforts, while John Sutherland added crucial scoring, including a layup at 3:22 to tie the game at 61. Daxton Dayley was effective on free throws and added a layup, helping Bemidji State secure a narrow lead before Jareon Mayo's jumper extended the advantage to 67-63. Bemidji State outscored UMary by three points in the half, ending with a score of 34-31.
 
Daxton Dayley led Bemidji State with a standout performance, recording a career-high 20 points and a double-double. He hit five of eight from three-point range and contributed a team-high 10 rebounds. John Sutherland was efficient, scoring 13 points on 6-for-10 shooting, while also leading the team with five assists. Jareon Mayo was another key player, scoring 14 points and recording a team-leading two steals. Jalen Patterson added 10 points, making five of six baskets. Malang Athian was a defensive presence with two blocks in the game.
 
Bemidji State holds an overall record of five wins and seven losses, with a conference record of two wins and four losses in the NSIC. Similarly, the Marauders have an overall record of four wins and eleven losses, also standing at two wins and four losses in the NSIC conference.
 
Bemidji State basketball will look to bring this winning momentum into 2025 as they host Wayne State College and Augustana University Jan. 3 and 4. 
 
For more information on the Bemidji State Men's Basketball program, tickets or schedules, visit BSUBeavers.com, follow the Beavers on X (@BSUBeaversMBB), like them on Facebook (facebook.com/BSUBeavers) and like them on Instagram (@BSUBeaversMBB).
 
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).