BEMIDJI, Minn. — Bemidji State University (7-7, 4-6 NSIC) defeated the University of Sioux Falls (8-8, 5-5 NSIC), 76-70, at BSU Gymnasium, securing the win with a strong 43-32 rebounding advantage. This victory also marked the end of a five-game losing streak for the Beavers, adding a significant morale boost to their performance.
 
Bemidji State began the first quarter with a resilient performance, overcoming an early deficit. Lindsey Weiler's layup at 7:05, assisted by Ashlynne Guenther, initiated the scoring for the Beavers, narrowing the Cougars' lead. Evyn Eppinga's three-pointer at 4:12 provided a crucial momentum shift, putting the home team ahead.
 
The home team maintained pressure through strong rebounding, outmatching Sioux Falls 14–10 on the boards. Kendra Syverson's three-point play extended the lead, and Aubrey Heyer's tip-in with 1:23 left helped the Beavers conclude the quarter with a narrow 19-17 advantage.
 
Bemidji State opened the second quarter with a critical 3-pointer by Tieryn Plasch at 9:10, assisted by Guenther, setting the momentum early. The team capitalized on defensive pressure, recording three steals, including two by Plasch, while maintaining a strong presence in the paint, matching the Cougars with eight points inside.
 
Heyer contributed a key defensive rebound and followed with a jumper at 6:50, extending the lead further. Sioux Falls narrowed the gap late in the quarter, but the Beavers responded with a 3-pointer from Heyer with just one second remaining, closing the quarter with a 35-31 advantage.
 
Bemidji State began the third quarter with a scoring push, highlighted by Kassandra Caron's jumper at 9:26 and defensive stop, including a block. Despite turnovers, the Beavers maintained pressure, with Syverson hitting a critical 3-pointer to retake the lead at 6:39.
 
Midway through the quarter, the Beavers capitalized on scoring opportunities with Eppinga contributing a jumper and a layup. Caron's consecutive 3-pointers at 3:52 and 3:17 established a five-point lead. Sioux Falls responded but the Beavers sustained their edge.
 
In the closing minutes, Bemidji State held firm defensively and extended their lead with crucial free throws. The quarter ended with the Beavers leading 59-55, matching the Cougars' 24 points for the quarter, maintaining their advantage going into the final stretch.
 
The Beavers began the fourth quarter with a narrow lead and quickly extended it with a 3-pointer by Caron at 9:17, assisted by Heyer. Sioux Falls responded with a series of layups, keeping the game tightly contested.
 
Midway through the quarter, Plasch connected on a 3-pointer at 8:08, assisted by Caron, to widen the gap again. Despite multiple turnovers, the Beavers maintained a slight edge, with Eppinga securing a crucial defensive rebound at 0:53.
 
In the closing minutes, Caron added another 3-pointer at 2:35, and Eppinga converted two free throws with 11 seconds remaining to ensure a victory. The quarter ended with the Beavers leading 76–70, securing a win on their home court.
 
Caron led with 24 points and secured 10 rebounds, including four 3-pointers, showcasing her shooting accuracy. Eppinga added 19 points and recorded three assists, hitting three of her six 3-point attempts. Plasch contributed 12 points and collected five rebounds while making all six of her free throw attempts. Heyer posted 13 rebounds and blocked two shots, providing a strong presence on defense.
 
The Beavers hold a record of 7-7 overall and 4-6 in NSIC play. The Cougars stand at 8-8 overall and 5-5 in NSIC competition. In their next game, Bemidji State will face St. Cloud State University on Friday, Jan. 16 at 7:30 p.m. CT. The team will travel to St. Cloud, Minnesota, for this matchup.
 
For more information on the Bemidji State women's basketball program, tickets or schedules, visit BSUBeavers.com, follow the Beavers on X (@BSUBeaversWBB), like them on Facebook (facebook.com/BSUBeavers) and like them on Instagram (@BSUBeaversWBB).
 
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).