ST. CLOUD, Minn. – Bemidji State University fell to St. Cloud State University 78-71 on Tuesday at Halenbeck Hall in St. Cloud, MN.
 
In the first half, Bemidji took an early lead with Tate Olson sinking a three-pointer at 19:05, followed by Malang Athian's layup at 17:00 to tie the game at 5-5. John Sutherland and Daxton Dayley contributed significantly, with Dayley making a crucial three-pointer at 2:00 to bring the score to 29-30. Athian's back-to-back 3-pointers in the final minutes helped Bemidji secure a narrow 38-37 lead at the end of the half.
 
In the second half, Bemidji's John Sutherland and Jalen Patterson played significant roles in keeping the team competitive, with Sutherland contributing a key layup assisted by Tate Olson at the 19:30 mark. Sutherland was pivotal throughout, achieving a career high with nine assists. Patterson showcased strong offensive skills, sinking multiple 3-pointers, including a crucial one that narrowed the score to 57-61. Despite the efforts, Bemidji faced challenges with turnovers and fouls, which allowed St. Cloud to capitalize on free throws, ultimately winning the half 41-33.
 
The Bemidji team features several standout players early in the season. Jalen Patterson recorded 14 points, going a perfect 4-for-4 from beyond the arc and adding four assists and two steals in his performance. Malang Athian matched Patterson's scoring with 14 points and contributed four rebounds, with a notable six baskets made. John Sutherland led the team with 16 points, making eight out of 12 shots and dishing out a career-high nine assists alongside five total rebounds. Tate Olson showcased his defensive skills with two steals, complementing his eight-point performance. Daxton Dayley also contributed 14 points, particularly excelling from three-point range with four made 3-pointers.
 
Bemidji has an overall record of seven wins and 14 losses, with a conference record of four wins and 11 losses in the NSIC. St. Cloud holds a record of 14 wins and nine losses overall, and a conference record of 10 wins and five losses in the NSIC.
 
Bemidji State will look to bounce back from its recent loss as it prepares to face the University of Mary Thursday at 5:30 p.m. Fans are encouraged to wear their best beach attire to be entered to win a 43-inch television from Midco. The game is available on the Beaver Radio Network and NSIC Network. 
 
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).