BEMIDJI, Minn. – Bemidji State University Men's Basketball (10-18) fell to the University of Minnesota Duluth (20-8), 87-55 on Senior Night Saturday in Bemidji.
 
During the first half, Bemidji State initiated the scoring with Malang Athian's dunk assisted by Jalen Patterson at 19:24. Tate Olson contributed significantly, scoring a 3-pointer and a jumper by 17:23, helping Bemidji State to a brief lead. Despite strong early performances, including a 3-pointer by John Pecarich at 12:36, BSU faced a scoring drought in the later part of the half, allowing UMD to gain momentum and close the half with a 41-27 advantage.
 
The Beavers faced a challenging second half against the Bulldogs. The half saw Tate Olson making significant contributions with a defensive rebound at 19:37 and an assist at 15:39. Despite Olson's efforts, including a 3-pointer at 14:58, Bemidji State struggled with turnovers, committing eight in the half, and faced a tough stretch with several fouls, totaling 14 overall. In the latter half, Jalen Patterson achieved a notable 3-pointer at 11:33 and contributed with an assist on a 3-pointer by John Pecarich at 4:45. Nonetheless, the home team was outscored 46-28 in the half.
 
John Pecarich led BSU in scoring with 11 points, making 4 of 11 shots, including 3 of 7 from beyond the arc. Jalen Patterson contributed defensively with two steals and added nine points, while also recording five rebounds and three assists. Malang Athian scored 10 points and collected four rebounds, shooting 4 of 9 from the field, including 2 of 6 from three-point range. Tate Olson nearly achieved a double-double with nine points and eight rebounds, shooting 3 of 6 from the field, and contributing two offensive boards.
 
Bemidji State finishes the regular season with an overall record of 10-18 and a Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) record of 7-15. They'll now look to playoffs as the team travels to St. Cloud State University for a 5:30 p.m. tipoff on February 26, kicking off the NSIC Tournament. The winner of that contest will move on to play Minnesota State University Mankato at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, S.D. on Mar. 2 for the Quarterfinal round. 
 
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).