PITTSBURG, Kan. – Bemidji State University (1-0) defeated Henderson State University (0-) 89-69, with a dominant 56 points scored in the paint at John Lance Arena.
Bemidji State opened the first half with a strong offensive showing, quickly taking the lead after
John Pecarich sank three free throws.
Henry Shannon III contributed significantly with a series of successful layups, helping to maintain the momentum. The team's defensive efforts were highlighted by eight steals and two blocks, limiting the Reddies' scoring opportunities.
The half saw Bemidji State capitalizing on turnovers to score 13 points and controlling the paint with 34 points.
Nathan Fenske and
Tate Olson were instrumental in both scoring and setting up plays, contributing to a 48-30 advantage for Bemidji State at the end of the first half.
Bemidji State opened the second half with a momentum shift, narrowing the gap through strategic plays. Eddie Jallow Hedqvist hit a critical 3-pointer early at 18:57, supported by an assist from Pecarich. Olson contributed significantly with a defensive rebound and an assist leading to Shannon's fast-break layup at 18:29. This sequence helped Bemidji State maintain pressure on HSU. HSU responded with fast-break points, but Bemidji State continued to capitalize on offensive opportunities. Olson converted a 3-pointer at 17:56 and added a jumper in the paint at 17:07, further extending the lead. Despite turnovers, Bemidji State managed defensive stops, with Olson blocking a shot at 10:40. The visitors ended the half with a layup from Shannon at 1:16, closing out with a 41–39 scoring edge in the second half. The scoreboard read 89-69 in favor of Bemidji State at the conclusion of the half.
Olson led the team with 25 points, six assists, and four steals while also collecting 10 rebounds. Shannon III scored 27 points on 13-of-14 shooting and added three blocks. Notably,
Isaac Severts achieved his first career double-double, contributing with 10 points and grabbing a team-high 11 rebounds. Fenske added 10 points and recorded two steals.
Bemidji State begins the season with a 1-0 record. The Reddies start the year at 0-1. In their next game, Bemidji State will face Southern Arkansas University on Saturday, Nov. 15, at 11 a.m. The match will take place in Pittsburg, Kan. closing out the Beavers' Central Region Classic schedule.
Following this weekend, BSU returns home to host Oak Hills Christian College on Nov. 21 at 5:30 p.m. They'll then go back on the road to Duluth, Minn. to start Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference play with University of Minnesota Duluth Nov. 25 at 7:30 p.m. All NSIC games are available on the NSIC Network and Beaver Radio 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 Central Collegiate Hockey Association and Western Collegiate Hockey Association, while its 13 NCAA Division II programs hold membership in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC).
