LAKELAND, Fla. — Bemidji State University (3-3, 0-1 NSIC) fell to Florida Southern College (6-1, 0-0 Sunshine State) in a closely contested match, 99-92, at Jenkins Field House. Despite scoring 44 points in the paint and securing 46 rebounds, Bemidji State could not overcome the 15 three-pointers made by Florida Southern.
 
Bemidji State opened the first half with assertive play, scoring early through a free throw by Nathan Fenske and maintaining momentum with a series of successful field goals. John Pecarich contributed significantly by hitting multiple 3-pointers, and Henry Shannon III and Austin Josephson added crucial points in the paint. Despite Bemidji State's efforts, turnovers hindered their ability to sustain a lead.
 
Florida Southern responded with strong shooting, particularly from beyond the arc, and capitalized on Bemidji State's turnovers to maintain a scoring edge. Khalil Ross and Elijah Walsh were instrumental in extending the home team's lead. Bemidji State managed to keep the scoring close with a late 3-pointer by Pecarich, ending the first half trailing 51-42.
 
Bemidji State began the second half by narrowing the deficit with impactful plays, including a 3-pointer from Pecarich at 18:25, which cut into the Moccasins' lead. Shannon contributed significantly with a layup and free throws, helping Bemidji State stay competitive. The team capitalized on defensive rebounds and second-chance points, maintaining pressure on the home team.
 
Despite Florida Southern's attempts to extend their lead with three-pointers, Bemidji State responded with efficient scoring in the paint, highlighted by Josephson's layup at 10:19. The Moccasins' scoring runs were countered by Bemidji State's resilience, with Fenske's pivotal 3-pointer at 4:43 keeping the game within reach.
 
The half closed with Bemidji State making a strong push, as Shannon's jumper at 0:25 maintained pressure. However, the Moccasins managed to secure their lead with free throws in the final seconds, ending the half with a score of 99-92 in favor of the home team.
 
Pecarich scored 25 points, including six 3-pointers, while adding three assists and three rebounds. Shannon posted 24 points, converting 6 of 8 free throws, and recorded four rebounds. Josephson tallied 20 points and led with 14 rebounds, making all four of his free-throw attempts. Fenske added 15 points and contributed five rebounds and three assists.
 
Bemidji State is now 3-3 overall and 0-1 in NSIC play. The Beavers return to Bemidji next week to host Minnesota State University Moorhead to get into the thick of Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference play Thursday. 
 
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).