BEMIDJI, Minn. — Bemidji State University Men's Basketball (8-16, 5-14 NSIC) defeated Northern State University (10-15, 10-9 NSIC) 86-71 on Thursday night at the Sanford Center. The home team capitalized on its advantage in the paint, scoring 34 points to secure the victory.
The opening half saw Bemidji State establish a strong presence, highlighted by efficient shooting inside, scoring 20 points in the paint. The team also capitalized on turnovers, converting them into seven points, and demonstrated defensive strength with five steals.
John Pecarich contributed significantly with a late 3-pointer and a defensive rebound that led to an
Austin Josephson dunk, extending the lead. Pecarich is now just 69 points away from reaching 1,000 career points, marking a significant milestone on the horizon.
Northern State kept pace early with consistent perimeter shooting, making six 3-pointers and maintaining the score close through the half. Despite their efforts, Bemidji State's ability to generate points off turnovers and secure defensive rebounds allowed it to close the first half with a 39–30 lead.
Bemidji State extended its lead in the second half with a strong offensive performance.
Henry Shannon III made an early impact with a tip-in and a block, contributing to Bemidji State's defensive efforts. During this game, Shannon hit the 1,500 career points milestone, marking 413 during this season in Bemidji. Pecarich's consistent scoring, including a three-pointer at 11:58 and multiple jumpers, helped maintain momentum.
Nathan Fenske and
Eddie Jallow Hedqvist also contributed with key assists and scoring plays. Bemidji State's ability to capitalize on Northern State's turnovers and maintain a high shooting percentage led to a half score of 47–41 in favor of the home team. The game concluded with Bemidji State holding a significant lead, closing at 86–71.
Pecarich led the team with 28 points, converting 8 of 13 from the field and hitting four 3-pointers. Shannon contributed significantly with 20 points, adding 12 rebounds and four steals to his performance.
Dominic Fairbanks added 13 points, successfully making three of five attempts from beyond the arc. Hedqvist scored nine points, making four of his eight field goal attempts.
Bemidji State has a record of 8-16 overall and 5-14 in NSIC play. The Wolves stand at 10-15 overall and 10-9 in NSIC competition. In their next game, Bemidji State will host the University of Jamestown on Saturday, Feb. 14. The matchup is set to tip off at 3 p.m. at Sanford Center in Bemidji, Minnesota.
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).
