SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Bemidji State University (10-15) fell to Augustana University (SD) (11-15) with a final score of 67-64 on Friday at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, SD.
 
Bemidji State had a challenging first half against Augustana, starting with a slow offensive pace. Daxton Dayley broke the scoring drought with a 3-pointer at the 16:30 mark, bringing the score to 7-3. John Pecarich then contributed with a 3-pointer and a layup, aided by Tate Olson's assist, helping the Beavers to briefly tie the game at 14-14 with about 10 minutes left in the half. However, Augustana's Tameron Ferguson and Sam Rensch quickly responded, extending their lead, and despite a late layup by Olson assisted by Jalen Patterson, the half closed with Augustana leading 39-26.
 
In the second half, the Beavers outscored Augustana 38-28, led by Malang Athian's key contributions with three successful 3-pointers and multiple defensive rebounds. John Sutherland provided essential support with several defensive rebounds and assists, setting up Patterson for consecutive late 3-pointers in the half that cut the deficit. Olson was pivotal in the final moments, making two crucial free throws to bring Bemidji State within one point at 62-63 before Augustana extended their lead again.
 
Patterson led the Beavers with 15 points, shooting 5-for-9 from the field and 5-for-7 from 3-point range. Athian also contributed significantly with 15 points, making 5-of-10 field goals and perfect from the line with 3-of-3 free throws. Pecarich added 13 points, hitting 3-of-7 from beyond the arc. Sutherland was a standout in rebounds, securing 10 total with 9 defensive boards, while also leading the team with 5 assists. Dayley made a notable defensive impact with 2 steals.
 
The Beavers have an overall record of ten wins and fifteen losses, with a conference record of seven wins and twelve losses in the NSIC. The Vikings hold an overall record of eleven wins and fifteen losses, with an eight and twelve record in the NSIC.
 
Up next, Bemidji State faces Wayne State College in Wayne, Neb. on February 15 at 3:30 p.m. The matchup is available on the Beaver Radio Network and NSIC Network. Next weekend they return home to host Concordia University, St. Paul and University of Minnesota Duluth to close the regular season. 
 
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 Western Collegiate Hockey Association, while its 13 NCAA Division II programs hold membership in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC).