BEMIDJI, Minn. – Bemidji State University Men's Basketball defeated Wayne State College, 76-68, on Friday at the BSU Gymnasium.
 
The first half of the game saw Bemidji St. and Wayne State in a closely contested matchup. Bemidji St. started strong with John Sutherland scoring the first points with a jumper at the 18:03 mark, followed by Malang Athian's tip-in to make it 4-2. Jareon Mayo contributed significantly with a layup and two free throws to give Bemidji a lead early on. During this period, Mayo would go on to achieve a career-high 24 points, showcasing his scoring prowess. A notable streak occurred when Bemidji St. briefly took the lead with a 3-pointer by Mayo at 1:02, followed by another 3-pointer by John Pecarich to extend the lead to 18-25. Despite Bemidji St.'s efforts, the Wildcats edged out with a narrow 33-32 lead by the end of the half, highlighted by Jay Saunders' late jumper.
 
Bemidji State began the second half with a strong performance, highlighted by John Sutherland scoring a jumper early to lead 34-33. In his third game back after injury, Sutherland took the second spot in scoring for BSU, marking 19 points. Jalen Patterson and Daxton Dayley contributed significantly, with Patterson scoring a three-pointer at 7:20 to increase the lead to 60-54. Jareon Mayo and Tate Olson were pivotal in closing out the half, with Mayo scoring crucial free throws and Olson securing key rebounds, resulting in Bemidji State outscoring WSC 44-35 in the half for a 76-68 final score.
 
The Bemidji State basketball team features several standout players based on their recent performances. Jareon Mayo led the team with 24 points, successfully converting 6 of 9 field goals, including three 3-pointers, and making 9 of 10 free throws. Jalen Patterson contributed significantly with two steals and four assists, showcasing his defensive and playmaking abilities. John Sutherland provided offensive support by making 7 of 14 field goals and adding 19 points to the team's total, while also securing eight rebounds. Tate Olson demonstrated his rebounding prowess with 10 total rebounds, complementing his eight points. Dax Dayley also collected 10 rebounds, effectively aiding the team in maintaining possession.
 
Bemidji State holds an overall record of six wins and seven losses, with a conference record of three wins and four losses in the NSIC. The Wildcats have an overall record of eight wins and six losses, while their conference performance stands at two wins and six losses in the NSIC.
 
Bemidji State's basketball team is set to face Augustana University following their recent win. The game is scheduled for January 4, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. and is available on the Beaver Radio Network and NSIC Network for listening and streaming. 
 
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).