JAMESTOWN, N.D. — Bemidji State University (4-5, 1-3 NSIC) fell to the University of Jamestown (4-6, 2-2 NSIC) in a closely contested match, 98-94, after an overtime period at Harold Newman Arena on Thursday night. Bemidji State recorded 10 blocks in the game, but it was not enough to overcome the Jimmies' 18 three-pointers.
 
Bemidji State opened the first half with strong offensive execution, marked by a 3-pointer from Eddie Jallow Hedqvist at 17:52, which tied the game early on. Austin Josephson's defensive prowess contributed with six blocks, helping maintain momentum and limiting the Jimmies' scoring opportunities.
 
John Pecarich fueled the offense with multiple successful shots, including a 3-pointer at 13:00, which helped the Beavers gradually build their lead. This was the third game in the past five that Pecarich scored 30 or more points, demonstrating his consistency and offensive power. The team's effective ball movement was evident with six assists, including a crucial one from Dominic Fairbanks to Josephson for a dunk at 2:13. Bemidji State closed the half with a buzzer-beater 3-pointer from Jallow Hedqvist, extending the lead to 38-30 over Jamestown.
 
The second half commenced with the Beavers' Josephson assisting Fairbanks for a crucial 3-pointer at 18:21, maintaining a narrow lead. Despite turnovers, Bemidji State's defense held firm, with Henry Shannon III contributing a key layup at 15:27 and later blocking a shot at 4:14. The team regained momentum as Jallow Hedqvist connected on a 3-pointer at 4:26.
 
As the half neared its conclusion, Pecarich's layup at 55 seconds put Bemidji State ahead. However, Jamestown equalized moments later with free throws, and a final turnover by Pecarich at 20 seconds allowed Jamestown to tie the game 73–73. The second half ended with Bemidji State and the Jimmies deadlocked, setting the stage for a tense finish.
 
The extra period began with Bemidji State's Pecarich hitting a crucial 3-pointer at 2:09 to level the score at 76-76. Despite a back-and-forth exchange, including a tip-in by Jamestown's Thomas Diew, Bemidji State responded with Jallow Hedqvist's jumper with 1:01 remaining, tying the score again at 78-78.
 
In the final seconds, Jallow Hedqvist connected on another jumper, leveling the score at 80-80. Shannon contributed with a pivotal block at the buzzer, preventing the Jimmies from securing a last-second win. The extra period concluded with both teams tied at 80-80.
 
Bemidji State opened overtime with a quick momentum shift as Pecarich's free throw tied the game at 81, followed by Josephson's tip-in to take the lead. Jallow Hedqvist extended the advantage with a 3-pointer at 3:51, assisted by Shannon, pushing the score to 86-80.
 
Jallow Hedqvist continued to contribute with a jumper, increasing the margin to eight points. Jamestown responded with a late surge, including a 3-pointer by Cole Glasgow, narrowing the gap to 89-86. Despite Jamestown's efforts, Bemidji State maintained composure, with Fairbanks' free throw making it 90-88.
 
As the clock wound down, Anthony Walters' layup for the Jimmies tied the game at 90 with 10 seconds left. Bemidji State's final attempt missed, and overtime concluded in a 90-90 tie, sending the game into another overtime.
 
Bemidji State began the additional overtime by quickly trying to close the gap with a defensive rebound by Fairbanks at 4:23. Despite efforts to capitalize, the team faced a scoring challenge, missing several opportunities in the paint. Jamestown managed to slightly extend their lead with successful free throws by Davis Walker at 4:13, putting the Beavers at a disadvantage early in the half.
 
Midway through the extra frame, Bemidji State's Fairbanks made a jumper at 2:43, keeping the team within reach. Pecarich contributed with another jumper at 1:57, bringing the score to 94-96. Despite a critical defensive stop with a steal by Pecarich at the 30-second mark, Bemidji State couldn't convert on subsequent possessions. As overtime closed, Bemidji State fought hard but was unable to overcome Jamestown's late free throws. With missed opportunities in the final seconds, Bemidji State ended overtime trailing, with the final score at 98-94.
 
Pecarich scored 32 points and collected seven rebounds, leading the offensive efforts. Jallow Hedqvist added 26 points, including five 3-pointers, contributing significantly from beyond the arc. Shannon recorded 12 rebounds and blocked four shots, dominating the defensive side. Josephson posted 13 rebounds and also blocked four shots, showcasing strong presence in the paint.
 
The Beavers hold a record of 4-5 overall and 1-3 in NSIC play. The Jimmies are currently 4-6 overall with a 2-2 record in NSIC competition. Looking ahead, Bemidji State will face Northern State University on Saturday, Dec. 13. The game will take place at 4 p.m. in Aberdeen, South Dakota.
 
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).