JAMESTOWN, N.D. — Bemidji State University (6-2, 3-1 NSIC) defeated the University of Jamestown (4-4, 2-2 NSIC), 77-61, at Harold Newman Arena, capitalizing on 31 points off turnovers. The Beavers secured the win with a strong defensive performance, recording 16 steals and forcing 25 turnovers.
Bemidji State started the first quarter strong, as
Ashlynne Guenther opened the scoring with a layup. The team effectively utilized the paint, scoring 12 points from inside and capitalizing on fast breaks for an additional four points. The Beavers displayed solid defense, forcing Jamestown into five turnovers and converting these opportunities into points. With contributions from
Kassandra Caron, who hit two 3-pointers, and
Tieryn Plasch, who added crucial assists, Bemidji State maintained control. The quarter closed with a 3-pointer from Caron, assisted by Plasch, solidifying the Beavers' lead. The first quarter ended with Bemidji State leading 23–16.
The Beavers began the second quarter with a strong defensive presence, forcing Jamestown into multiple turnovers early on.
Aubrey Heyer and Caron capitalized on these opportunities with back-to-back fastbreak layups, extending the visitor's lead. Despite their efforts, Bemidji State struggled with shooting efficiency, converting only 3 of 15 shots and failing to hit from beyond the arc. As the quarter progressed, Jamestown narrowed the gap, leveraging their advantage in the paint and second-chance opportunities. A crucial moment came in the final seconds when
Evyn Eppinga converted two free throws to momentarily retake the lead at 32-31. However, a late layup by Jamestown's Halle Crockett concluded the quarter with the Beavers trailing by one, 33-32.
Bemidji State opened the third quarter with a strong defensive stance, forcing seven turnovers and capitalizing on fast breaks. Eppinga's layup initiated a series of scoring plays, including a key 3-pointer by Caron at 3:24, which shifted the momentum. The team maintained their lead through aggressive play in the paint, with Eppinga further contributing with multiple layups in the closing minutes. The Beavers concluded the quarter with a substantial 11-point advantage, leading Jamestown 56-45.
Bemidji State solidified their lead in the fourth quarter, opening with a strong 8-2 run, highlighted by Caron's fastbreak layup. Guenther contributed with key defensive rebounds, while Eppinga's steal and subsequent layup helped increase the gap. The visiting team maintained their momentum, capitalizing on turnovers and converting free throws effectively. While Jamestown attempted to rally with a 3-pointer from Samantha Paulsen, Bemidji State's consistent scoring, including layups from Caron and Guenther, kept the pressure on. In the final moments, the Beavers extended their advantage, with
Beth Bolte's late steal leading to a successful jumper by
Gabrielle Fineday. The quarter ended with Bemidji State outscoring Jamestown 21-16, securing a decisive 77-61 victory.
Eppinga scored 28 points and recorded five rebounds, leading the performance with perfect free-throw shooting by converting 7 of 7. Caron added 27 points, shooting 10 of 17 from the field and contributing three steals. Guenther finished with 10 points, making 5 of 9 field goal attempts.
Kendra Syverson tallied four steals, impacting the defensive effort.
The Beavers improved to 6-2 overall and 3-1 in NSIC play. Jamestown is now 4-4 overall and 2-2 in the NSIC. In their next game, Bemidji State will travel to face Northern State University on Saturday, Dec. 13. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. at Aberdeen, South Dakota.
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).
