DULUTH, Minn. — Bemidji State University fell to the University of Minnesota Duluth, 77-67, in an NSIC matchup at Romano Gymnasium on Tuesday night. The Beavers managed 10 three-pointers, but the Bulldogs capitalized on second-chance opportunities and out-rebounded the visitors 45-32.
 
Bemidji State opened the first half with a strong inside presence, scoring 14 points in the paint. Luke Diem initiated momentum with a crucial layup early, and Tate Olson added a three-pointer to push the lead to 9-4. The Beavers continued to build on their advantage with consecutive 3-pointers from Dominic Fairbanks, extending the lead to 23-13 with 11:33 remaining. Minnesota Duluth responded with a series of free throws and fast breaks, cutting Bemidji's lead to 27-26. However, the Beavers maintained composure, regaining a slight edge with another 3-pointer by Fairbanks, making it 32-28. The half concluded with the Bulldogs overtaking the Beavers, ending the first half with a narrow lead of 35-32.
 
Bemidji State started the second half with a strong defensive effort as Henry Shannon III recorded a block at the 19:39 mark. John Pecarich made an immediate impact by stealing the ball at 17:41 and hitting a crucial 3-pointer at 16:47, assisted by Shannon, to secure a temporary lead. Despite these efforts, Minnesota Duluth countered with consistent scoring in the paint.
 
Midway through the half, the Beavers managed to keep the game tight, with a significant 3-pointer from Fairbanks at 13:53 tying the score at 48. However, the Bulldogs capitalized on turnovers and extended their lead with a series of layups and a timely 3-pointer. The Beavers closed the half with Fairbanks converting on two free throws and a fast-break layup in the final seconds, but Minnesota Duluth maintained their advantage to end the half with a lead of 77-67.
 
Pecarich scored 13 points, converting five field goals, including three from beyond the arc. Fairbanks added 16 points, hitting four 3-pointers out of nine attempts. Shannon posted 15 points and recorded four blocks, contributing defensively with two steals. Olson finished with 12 points and pulled down four defensive rebounds.
 
The Beavers are currently 2-2 overall and 0-1 in NSIC play. The Bulldogs hold a 5-1 overall record and are 1-0 in NSIC competition. In their next game, the Beavers will travel to face Saint Leo University on Friday, Nov. 28. Tip-off is set for 4 p.m. CT in Lakeland, Florida to start their Thanksgiving Classic. 
 
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).