CROOKSTON, Minn. — Bemidji State University (4-4, 1-2 NSIC) secured a decisive 87-77 victory over the University of Minnesota Crookston (1-7, 0-3 NSIC) on Saturday at Lysaker Gym. The Beavers outscored the Eagles 56-42 in the second half to overturn a halftime deficit and clinch the win.
 
Bemidji State started the game with a series of aggressive plays, but initially struggled to convert opportunities into points, falling behind 11-0. However, John Pecarich's layup at 16:46, followed by a three-point play, initiated a shift in momentum. Punctuated by Henry Shannon III's defensive rebound and fast break layup, the Beavers began to close the gap.
 
As the half progressed, Bemidji State continued to narrow the margin. Pecarich's 3-pointer at 11:35 brought the score to 19-13, and a subsequent 3-pointer by Eddie Jallow Hedqvist at 9:26 further decreased the deficit to 22-18. The team showed resilience on defense, with Austin Josephson contributing a key block at 6:02 and multiple defensive rebounds throughout the half.
 
Bemidji State finished the first half strongly, highlighted by Pecarich's jumper in the paint at 1:54, bringing the score to 31-32. Despite a late 3-pointer by the Eagles, the Beavers kept the game within reach, closing the half trailing 35-31.
 
Bemidji St. opened the second half with a strong start, as Shannon III converted a layup and a free throw to cut the deficit to one. A quick succession of scores, including a 3-pointer by Jallow Hedqvist, shifted the momentum in their favor. The Beavers capitalized on key defensive rebounds and a timely steal by Shannon III, which led to another 3-pointer by Jallow Hedqvist, extending their lead.
 
Bemidji St. maintained their offensive pressure with Pecarich adding a series of 3-pointers and free throws, widening the gap further. The team effectively utilized fast breaks and bench contributions, highlighted by Dominic Fairbanks' 3-pointer and subsequent free throw to extend the lead. As the half concluded, the Beavers closed with a commanding lead, ending ahead 84-77.
 
Pecarich led Bemidji St. with 34 points, converting 10 of 17 field goals and making 5 of 8 from beyond the arc. Jallow Hedqvist added 14 points, hitting 4 of 6 3-pointers and contributing two blocks. Shannon III posted 23 points and collected eight rebounds, while also blocking two shots. Isaac Severts recorded nine rebounds and four assists, providing a strong presence on the boards.
 
Bemidji St. improved to 4-4 overall and 1-2 in NSIC play. Minn.-Crookston fell to 1-7 on the season and 0-3 in NSIC competition. The Beavers stay on the road in the coming week as they travel to University of Jamestown December 11 and Northern State University December 13. Both games are available for streaming on the NSIC Network and Beaver Radio Netowrk. 
 
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).