ST. CLOUD, Minn. – Bemidji State University Men's Basketball to St. Cloud State University with a final score of 68-60 on Wednesday in St. Cloud. The Beavers have been eliminated from the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Tournament.
 
In the first half, Bemidji State established a narrow lead over St. Cloud State, finishing with a score of 31-29. John Sutherland was a key player for Bemidji State, scoring multiple times in the paint, including a crucial layup with 6 seconds remaining to secure the lead. Sutherland's performance was particularly notable as he became the program's leading rebounder, amassing a total of 733 rebounds in his career. Tate Olson contributed with a 3-pointer at 17:10 and provided steady defensive rebounds throughout the half. Bemidji State capitalized on turnovers and maintained consistent pressure, resulting in a closely contested half.
 
The second half saw BSU outscored by SCSU 39-29, despite key contributions from John Sutherland and John Pecarich. Sutherland opened with a defensive rebound and followed with a layup at 17:37. In a strong sequence, Daxton Dayley marked a 3-pointer at 5:34, assisted by Sutherland, and later stole the ball at 5:19, during a stretch in which Bemidji State closed the gap. In the final minute, Jalen Mayo's layup at 0:31 brought the Beavers closer, but the Huskies extended their lead with consistent free-throw shooting.
 
John Sutherland led the Beavers with 20 points, shooting 9-for-18 from the field. He also contributed significantly on the boards with 16 rebounds, achieving a double-double performance. This included 12 defensive rebounds, further solidifying his status as the program's leading rebounder. Sutherland added two assists, two steals, and a block to his performance. Tate Olson scored nine points, hitting 4 of 8 shots, and was active on the boards with six total rebounds. Daxton Dayley made an impact with his defense, recording two steals while also adding eight points and seven rebounds. Malang Athian scored six points and provided two assists, along with a block, contributing to the team's overall effort.
 
Bemidji State finishes the season with an overall record of ten wins and 19 losses, with a conference record of seven wins and 15 losses in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference.
 
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).