BEMIDJI, Minn. — Bemidji State University (6-7, 3-6 NSIC) fell to Southwest Minnesota State University (8-6, 6-3 NSIC), 75-69, at BSU Gymnasium, despite holding a halftime lead. The visitors surged in the third quarter with 30 points to overcome the home team.
 
The game commenced with Kassandra Caron's layups giving the Beavers an early advantage. Evyn Eppinga contributed with an assist and a jumper, helping to build momentum. The Beavers maintained their edge with efficient shooting, including a timely 3-pointer by Tieryn Plasch that extended their lead to 7-2.
 
As the quarter progressed, the home team's offense capitalized on second-chance opportunities, with Lindsey Weiler and Gabrielle Fineday each connecting on 3-pointers. Bemidji State's defensive rebounding limited the Mustangs' scoring chances, allowing the Beavers to end the first quarter ahead, 22-18.
 
Bemidji State opened the second quarter with a strong defensive stand, highlighted by Plasch's steal within the first 18 seconds. The team capitalized on turnovers and executed well in the paint, scoring 10 points in that area. Ashlynne Guenther and Eppinga contributed key baskets, and Plasch closed the quarter with a 3-pointer at the buzzer.
 
Defensively, Bemidji State limited Southwest to 3-of-21 shooting from the field. The home team also recorded three blocks, with significant defensive rebounds preventing the visitors from gaining momentum. Despite the opponents scoring five points off turnovers, Bemidji State maintained a lead, ending the quarter at 35-27.
 
Bemidji State started the third quarter with a four-point lead, but momentum shifted early as Southwest connected on a 3-pointer, closing the gap. Aubrey Heyer responded with a 3-pointer for the Beavers at 8:51, maintaining a slight cushion. Despite efforts from Bemidji State, including a timely jumper from Eppinga, the quarter saw back-and-forth scoring, with both teams exchanging leads multiple times.
 
Eppinga was instrumental in keeping the game tight, netting crucial free throws and a jumper in the paint. However, the Mustangs capitalized on turnovers and secured the lead with a late scoring burst. The quarter concluded with Bemidji State trailing 57-53, as Southwest outscored them 30-18 in the third quarter.
 
Bemidji State entered the fourth quarter seeking to close the gap against the Mustangs. The quarter opened with Southwest extending their lead with successful layups by Audrey Swanson and Nicole Maenke. The Beavers responded with free throws from Caron and a layup by Caron later on, narrowing the deficit.
 
Midway through the quarter, the Beavers made a push with an assist from Plasch leading to a layup by Caron, tying the game at 65. Weiler's free throw briefly put the Beavers in the lead. However, the Mustangs regained momentum with points from Elizabeth Wagner and Maenke, retaking the lead.
 
In the closing minutes, Bemidji State's attempts to reclaim the lead were thwarted as Maenke sealed the game with free throws, solidifying Southwest's advantage. The quarter ended with Southwest winning, 75-69.
 
Plasch led the team with 16 points, including three 3-pointers, and added three assists. Eppinga scored 13 points, converting 7 of 8 free throws, and collected five rebounds. Caron contributed 12 points on 4-for-4 shooting from the free-throw line. Weiler recorded eight rebounds and added eight points to the effort.
 
Bemidji State is now 6-7 overall and holds a 3-6 record in NSIC play. Southwest improves to 8-6 overall and 6-3 in NSIC competition. In their next game, the Beavers will host the University of Sioux Falls on Saturday, Jan. 10. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m. at 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).