BEMIDJI, Minn. — Bemidji State University (6-5, 3-4 NSIC) fell to Minot State University (7-7, 4-3 NSIC), 84-71, at BSU Gymnasium on Saturday. The Beavers matched Minot with 26 total rebounds, and both teams committed 16 turnovers in the contest.
 
Bemidji State began the first quarter with a strong start, scoring seven unanswered points, highlighted by Ashlynne Guenther's early jumper and Tieryn Plasch's three-pointer. Kassandra Caron added to the momentum with a fast break layup following her steal, extending the lead. The team capitalized on their opportunities in the paint, scoring 14 points and limiting Minot to 12 points in the same area.
 
Despite a series of turnovers toward the end of the quarter, the Beavers managed to maintain the pressure with effective defensive plays, including three blocks. Minot managed to respond late in the quarter, tying the score at 22–22 with a last-second layup. The quarter concluded with both teams deadlocked on the scoreboard.
 
The Beavers began the second quarter by closing the gap with a layup from Caron and a 3-pointer by Evyn Eppinga, cutting Minot's lead to 29–27. Midway through the quarter, the team maintained pressure with a 3-pointer from Sam Veto, narrowing the margin to 31–30. Despite these efforts, Minot extended their lead with a series of successful layups.
 
In the latter half of the quarter, Caron contributed with both a layup and two free throws, but Minot's efficient shooting from the paint allowed them to widen the gap. The quarter concluded with the Beavers trailing 47–38, as they struggled to contain Minot's scoring in the paint.
 
Bemidji St. opened the third quarter by narrowing the gap with a strategic offensive push, highlighted by Eppinga's back-to-back three-pointers. Despite Minot's initial lead, Bemidji St. countered by forcing turnovers and capitalizing on fast-break opportunities. Caron contributed significantly with a key jumper and defensive rebound that spurred momentum.
 
As the quarter progressed, Bemidji St. maintained pressure, closing with an 8-2 run in the paint. Minot added to their score with consistent free-throw shooting but struggled to contain Bemidji St.'s offensive surge. The quarter ended with Bemidji St. outscoring Minot 19-17, reducing the overall deficit to 64-57.
 
The fourth quarter began with the Beavers closing the gap as Caron converted two free throws to make it 67-59 following an early three-pointer by Minot. Eppinga then hit a three-pointer at 8:17 to narrow the deficit to five points. However, Minot responded with consistent free throw shooting, maintaining their lead through the quarter.
 
Despite the efforts of the Beavers, including a three-pointer from Plasch and a jumper from Eppinga, Minot capitalized on their opportunities at the free-throw line, extending their lead. With the clock winding down, Bemidji St. continued to fight back, but Minot's accuracy from the line sealed the game. The quarter concluded with a final score of 84-71 in favor of Minot.
 
Eppinga led the scoring with 24 points, recording four 3-pointers and collecting five rebounds. Caron contributed with 16 points and added four assists, also securing seven rebounds. Plasch scored 13 points, including three 3-pointers, and registered one steal. Tiffany Liddie provided defensive support with two blocks and added two points.
 
Bemidji State is now 6-5 overall with a conference record of 3-4 in NSIC play. Minot holds a 7-7 overall record and a 4-3 mark in the NSIC. Looking ahead, Bemidji State will face off against the University of Minnesota Duluth at BSU Gymnasium in Bemidji, Minnesota. The matchup is set for Saturday, Jan. 3, at 3:30 p.m.
 
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).