WAYNE, Neb. — Bemidji State University Men's Basketball (6-15, 3-13 NSIC) fell to Wayne State College (NE) (14-8, 10-6 NSIC) 76-67 on Saturday night at Rice Auditorium. The Beavers led nine times and scored 28 points in the paint, but the Wildcats secured the victory by outscoring them 39-32 in the second half.
 
The first half began with Bemidji State establishing early momentum through a 3-pointer by John Pecarich, assisted by Nathan Fenske. The Beavers maintained a slim lead with effective plays in the paint, including notable contributions from Henry Shannon III, who scored multiple times from close range.
 
Bemidji State extended their lead to 30–20 at one point, with Austin Josephson contributing both from the field and the free-throw line. However, the Wildcats countered with a series of successful shots, tying the game at 31. Logan Sipple briefly put the Beavers back in front with a layup at 1:03, but Wayne State's late 3-pointer and free throw edged them ahead as the half concluded with Bemidji State trailing 37–35.
 
Wayne State (NE) edged ahead in the second half, leveraging strong interior play to shift momentum. The Beavers initially matched the pace, with Pecarich's layup and Fenske's three-pointer giving them a brief lead. However, Wayne State's effective scoring in the paint and transition points allowed them to regain control.
 
Bemidji State countered with consistent efforts from the arc, highlighted by Pecarich's shooting, keeping the score tight midway through the half. Despite efforts to narrow the gap, Wayne State extended their advantage in the latter stages, securing a 39-32 half win. The game concluded with Wayne State leading 76-67.
 
Pecarich led the team with 25 points, including six 3-pointers, and collected six rebounds. Fenske contributed 16 points, adding four steals and three assists to his performance. Shannon finished with eight points and recorded two blocks before fouling out. Brock Heffner added nine rebounds to his stat line, supporting the team's efforts on the boards.
 
Bemidji State is currently 6-15 overall and 3-13 in NSIC play. The Wildcats hold a 14-8 overall record and are 10-6 in the NSIC. The next challenge for the Beavers is a road matchup against Minot State University on Thursday, Feb. 5. The game will tip off at 7:30 p.m. in Minot, North Dakota.
 
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 Central Collegiate Hockey Association and Western Collegiate Hockey Association, while its 13 NCAA Division II programs hold membership in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC).