BEMIDJI, Minn. — Bemidji State University (6-6, 3-4 NSIC) fell to Minot State University (7-6, 4-3 NSIC) 89-83 on Saturday night at BSU Gymnasium. The Beavers made a strong second-half push with 50 points but could not overcome Minot State's 43-point first half.
 
Bemidji State began the first half with a solid start, highlighted by John Pecarich's early 3-pointer and Henry Shannon III's effective scoring inside the paint. Despite some turnovers, the Beavers managed to maintain competitive pressure, with Austin Josephson contributing from the free-throw line to keep the score close.
 
However, Minot State capitalized on fast breaks and bench scoring to pull ahead. Parker Falcon's shooting from beyond the arc and Deuce Benjamin's playmaking helped the visiting Beavers open a lead. Bemidji State responded with Nathan Fenske's 3-pointer and strong defensive rebounds from Josephson, yet trailed 43-33 at the end of the half.
 
Bemidji State opened the second half with a 3-pointer from Pecarich, assisted by Shannon III, cutting into Minot State's lead. Despite a strong early push, including another three from Pecarich and a layup by Josephson, Minot State maintained pressure with consistent scoring in the paint. A timeout at 16:25 allowed Bemidji State to regroup, leading to a 3-pointer from Eddie Jallow Hedqvist, narrowing the deficit.
 
As the half progressed, Bemidji State continued to challenge with notable contributions from Hedqvist and Shannon III, who both found success inside and beyond the arc. However, Minot State responded effectively, maintaining a slight edge. In the final stretch, Bemidji State's efforts, highlighted by Pecarich's scoring and defensive plays, allowed them to close the gap slightly. The half ended with Bemidji State scoring 50 points to Minot State's 46, leaving the score at 89-83 in favor of Minot State.
 
Pecarich led the team with 26 points, converting 9 of 18 field goal attempts and successfully making three 3-pointers. Shannon III contributed significantly with 20 points, 8 rebounds, and added two blocks and two steals. Hedqvist scored 17 points, making five 3-pointers out of 12 attempts. Josephson completed the game with 10 points, perfect from the free-throw line by converting 6 of 6 attempts, while also collecting eight rebounds.
 
The Beavers are now 6-6 overall and 3-4 in NSIC competition. Minot State improves to 7-6 overall and 4-3 in NSIC play. In their next game, the Beavers will host the University of Minnesota Duluth on Saturday, Jan. 3. Tip-off is set for 1:30 p.m. at BSU Gymnasium in Bemidji, Minnesota.
 
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).