MANKATO, Minn. — Bemidji State fell to Minnesota State (18-0, 12-0 NSIC), 94-69, despite a balanced scoring effort with 30 bench points. The Mavericks capitalized on the Beavers' 35 turnovers, converting them into 42 points.
Bemidji State opened the game with efficient shooting, converting 6 of 9 field goal attempts, including two 3-pointers. The Beavers capitalized on early opportunities, establishing a narrow lead.
Tieryn Plasch and
Sam Veto contributed crucial baskets, while
Gabrielle Fineday added a 3-pointer to extend the lead to 12–7.
Despite 10 turnovers, Bemidji State's defensive efforts included two blocks and strong rebounding, maintaining parity with Minnesota State. The Mavericks managed to catch up, tying the game late with a fastbreak layup. The quarter concluded with a balanced score of 14–14.
The second quarter featured a strong start by Bemidji State, with
Evyn Eppinga contributing early points and a defensive rebound. However, the Mavericks quickly shifted the momentum with a series of successful plays, including a 3-pointer by Adeline Kent and multiple fast-break points. Despite a solid defensive block and a jumper by
Aubrey Heyer, the Beavers struggled with turnovers, which Minnesota State capitalized on to extend their lead.
The Mavericks maintained their scoring pressure throughout the quarter, closing with a fast-break layup in the final seconds. Bemidji State concluded the quarter with 12 points, while Minnesota State added 35 points to their total, leading 49-26 at the half.
Bemidji State began the third quarter facing a significant deficit and sought to close the gap against Minnesota State. Despite a sequence of turnovers early in the quarter, the Beavers' offense found rhythm through strong shooting, converting 9 of 13 field goals, including 3 from beyond the arc. Defensively, Bemidji State out-rebounded the Mavericks with 10 rebounds, limiting second-chance opportunities.
Kassandra Caron and Fineday delivered key baskets, contributing to a 25-point effort in the quarter. However, Minnesota State maintained their scoring pace, capitalizing on turnovers and fast-break opportunities to extend their lead. The quarter ended with Minnesota State holding a 76-51 advantage.
In the fourth quarter, Bemidji State made significant strides with key contributions from
Beth Bolte, who hit a 3-pointer early on, and Heyer, who added a jumper and free throws to keep the pressure on the Mavericks. Despite strong defensive efforts, including a block by Heyer and a steal by Veto leading to a 3-pointer, the Beavers faced challenges in keeping up with Minnesota State's scoring from the paint and bench contributions. The quarter concluded with both teams scoring 18 points each, maintaining the existing score gap. Minnesota State finished with a 94–69 victory.
Eppinga scored 13 points and recorded four assists, leading the team's scoring. Fineday contributed with 12 points, converting all four of her field goal attempts, including two 3-pointers. Heyer added nine points and collected seven rebounds, while also posting two blocks. Caron matched Eppinga with 13 points and tallied two steals, demonstrating her defensive impact.
Bemidji State holds a 7-9 overall record and is 4-8 in NSIC play. Minnesota State is undefeated with an 18-0 overall record and 12-0 in NSIC competition. In their next matchup, Bemidji State will host Concordia University, St. Paul on Friday, Jan. 23. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m. at the BSU Gymnasium in Bemidji, Minnesota.
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).
