WAYNE, Neb. – Bemidji State University Men's Basketball (10-16) fell to Wayne State College (16-11) with a final score of 78-73 on Saturday at Rice Auditorium in Wayne, Nebraska.
 
In the first half, the Beavers' John Sutherland and John Pecarich contributed significantly, with Sutherland opening the scoring for the visiting team with a layup at 19:10. Pecarich showcased his shooting prowess with two early 3-pointers, putting the Beavers ahead 8-5 by 17:30. However, despite the Beavers' efforts, including a 3-pointer by Tate Olson at 2:30 that brought the score to 27-18, Wayne State's fast-paced play and effective shooting, particularly from beyond the arc, allowed them to build a significant lead, ending the half with a score of 51-24.
 
In the second half, the Beavers narrowed the scoring gap against Wayne State with a strong performance, outscoring the home team 49-27. John Pecarich contributed significantly with multiple 3-pointers, including a key one at a fastbreak to bring the score to 73-78. Tate Olson was active on both ends, securing defensive rebounds and adding points through free throws and a 3-pointer, while Daxton Dayley made his presence felt with successful 3-pointers and a layup to maintain momentum for the Beavers.
 
John Pecarich led Bemidji with 28 points, shooting 9-of-17 from the field and hitting 6-of-12 from beyond the arc. Tate Olson contributed significantly with 17 points and a team-high 10 rebounds, demonstrating effective play on both ends of the court. Daxton Dayley was efficient, scoring 15 points on 6-of-7 shooting, including 3-of-4 from three-point range. John Sutherland provided a balanced performance with 9 points, 8 rebounds, and a team-leading 5 assists. Isaac Severts stood out defensively, recording a team-high 2 blocks.
 
The Beavers hold an overall record of ten wins and sixteen losses, with a conference record of seven wins and thirteen losses in the NSIC. Wayne State has secured sixteen wins and eleven losses overall, and they have a conference record of ten wins and eleven losses in the NSIC.
 
Up next, the Beavers face Concordia University, St. Paul on February 21 at 5:30 p.m. at BSU Gymnasium for Pink Out Night honoring those affected by breast cancer. The following afternoon, the team will celebrate its five seniors with a pregame ceremony ahead of tipoff against University of Minnesota Duluth.
 
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).