Box Score TAMPA, Fla. — Bemidji State University (2-1, 0-1 NSIC) defeated Florida Institute of Technology (2-3, 0-1 Sunshine State), 68-58, at the Bob Martinez Athletics Center, highlighted by a 10-of-28 performance from beyond the arc.
Bemidji State began the first quarter by capitalizing on turnovers and effective shooting.
Evyn Eppinga quickly put points on the board with a layup, and
Tieryn Plasch hit an early 3-pointer, contributing to the team's initial lead. The Beavers' defense was active, forcing five turnovers and converting them into crucial points. The team also excelled in the paint, matching the Panthers' 10 points inside.
Kassandra Caron played a pivotal role in the latter stages, scoring a layup and two free throws to extend Bemidji State's lead. Her 3-pointer at the 1:07 mark further solidified the team's momentum. As the quarter closed, the Beavers maintained a narrow lead, ending the first quarter ahead 20–17.
Bemidji State capitalized on offensive rebounds and timely shooting to maintain momentum in the second quarter. Caron secured a defensive rebound which led to her layup, extending the lead early.
Brooklyn Wood contributed significantly with a three-pointer at 6:25, assisted by
Aubrey Heyer, reinforcing the visiting team's advantage.
The Beavers' defense forced crucial turnovers, allowing Plasch to score a three-pointer at 4:39, assisted again by Wood. Despite the Panthers' efforts to close the gap through free throws, Bemidji State's resilience was evident with Eppinga's tip-in and Heyer's three-pointer in the final minutes. The quarter concluded with the Beavers leading 39–34.
Bemidji State began the third quarter maintaining a slight lead, with Caron contributing from the free-throw line to keep the momentum. A defensive rebound by
Tiffany Liddie set up Plasch's successful layup, extending the lead to 45–38. Following a defensive block by Caron, Eppinga scored another layup, prompting a timeout from Florida Tech.
Midway through the quarter, Plasch hit a 3-pointer at 5:04, assisted by Eppinga, pushing the score to 50–38. Wood added a layup to further solidify the Beavers' position. Despite a late surge from the Panthers, including a 3-pointer by Elif Dila Bayrak, Bemidji State maintained their advantage. The quarter concluded with both teams scoring 13 points, keeping the Beavers ahead 52–47.
Bemidji State started the fourth quarter with significant momentum, highlighted by a series of successful 3-pointers. Wood initiated the scoring with a 3-pointer at 8:19, assisted by Plasch, which was quickly followed by Eppinga's 3-point shot at 7:47.
The team continued to extend its lead with further contributions from Plasch and
Beth Bolte, who each added additional three-point field goals. This sequence helped the Beavers outscore the Panthers 16-11 in the quarter. Despite the Panthers' attempts to close the gap, the visiting team maintained control and secured a 68-58 victory at the final buzzer.
Plasch led with 16 points, including four 3-pointers, and recorded seven rebounds and two steals. Eppinga contributed 17 points, successfully converting 8 of 9 free throws while adding five rebounds. Heyer made an impact defensively with two blocks and two steals, alongside nine rebounds. Caron scored 17 points and matched Eppinga's free-throw success by making 8 of 12 attempts, also collecting seven rebounds.
Bemidji State holds a record of 2-1 overall and 0-1 in NSIC play. Florida Tech is now 2-3 overall and 0-1 in Sunshine State competition.
Looking ahead, Bemidji State will face tournament hosts, the University of Tampa, on Saturday, Nov. 29. The game is set for 1 p.m. CST.
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).
