DULUTH, Minn. — Bemidji State University (2-1, 0-1 NSIC) fell to the University of Minnesota Duluth (3-2, 1-0 NSIC), 74-63, at Romano Gymnasium. The Beavers were outscored 44-38 in the paint and committed 15 turnovers, leading to 22 points for the Bulldogs.
 
Bemidji State started the first quarter with an early three-pointer by Kassandra Caron, assisted by Tieryn Plasch, to get on the scoreboard. The Beavers kept the game competitive with contributions from Aubrey Heyer, who secured offensive rebounds and converted a jumper in the paint. Caron added two free throws later to keep the team within reach. Despite these efforts, Duluth capitalized on turnovers with fast break opportunities that helped them gradually extend their lead. The quarter ended with Bemidji State trailing 24-14, as Duluth took advantage of turnovers and bench contributions to close out the quarter.
 
The second quarter started with the Beavers capitalizing on key opportunities in the paint, with Evyn Eppinga and Caron each contributing significant layups. Despite a defensive effort by the Bulldogs, the Beavers managed to maintain momentum with a notable fast-break layup from Eppinga following a steal by Caron. Bemidji State concluded the quarter with a crucial layup by Lindsey Weiler at the buzzer, matching Duluth's output and closing the quarter at 40-30 in favor of the home team.
 
Bemidji State began the third quarter by capitalizing on their opportunities at the free-throw line, with Caron making multiple trips and converting all her attempts. The visitors demonstrated resilience on defense, registering two blocks and a critical steal by Eppinga, maintaining pressure on Duluth. Despite Duluth's efforts, including a successful 3-pointer, the Beavers responded with a fast-break layup by Caron, continuing to cut into the lead. Caron's layup in the final moments brought the score to a competitive close, cutting the deficit to four points. As the quarter concluded, Bemidji State trailed 53-49, setting up a tight finish.
 
Bemidji State began the fourth quarter with determination, cutting the deficit to two points early with a layup by Caron. A turnover by Duluth provided an opportunity, capitalized by Eppinga's layup to tie the score at 55–55. The teams exchanged leads through a series of defensive efforts and critical baskets. Midway through the quarter, Bemidji State briefly took the lead again after Heyer's free throw made it 56–55. However, a scoring burst by Duluth extended their lead, despite Bemidji State's continued efforts including a 3-pointer from Eppinga at 2:47, keeping the gap manageable. In the closing minutes, Bemidji State faced a tougher challenge as Duluth's scoring run widened the lead. Despite a late layup by Heyer, the game concluded with Duluth securing a 74–63 victory.
 
Caron led the Beavers with 24 points, including a perfect 9-for-9 from the free-throw line, and added three steals. Eppinga contributed 15 points, connecting on 7 of 16 field goal attempts, and collected four rebounds. Heyer dominated the boards with 12 rebounds, including 10 defensive, and scored seven points. Plasch added seven points and recorded three rebounds.
 
The Beavers hold a record of 2-1 overall and 0-1 in NSIC competition, while the Bulldogs are 3-2 overall and 1-0 in NSIC play. Looking ahead, Bemidji State will take on Florida Institute of Technology on Friday, Nov. 28, at 11 a.m. in Tampa, Florida to kick off the Tampa Thanksgiving Classic.
 
For more information on the Bemidji State women's basketball program, tickets or schedules, visit BSUBeavers.com, follow the Beavers on X (@BSUBeaversWBB), like them on Facebook (facebook.com/BSUBeavers) and like them on Instagram (@BSUBeaversWBB).
 
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).