BEMIDJI, Minn. — Bemidji State University (8-15, 5-14 NSIC) fell to Northern State University (14-11, 9-10 NSIC), 73-55, at the Sanford Center on day one of the 218 Showcase. The Beavers struggled on the boards, being outrebounded 46-23 by the Wolves.
 
Bemidji State began the first quarter with an early 3-pointer from Gabrielle Fineday, set up by an assist from Aubrey Heyer, to keep pace with Northern State. Despite a block by Tieryn Plasch, the Beavers faced a challenging defensive battle in the paint. The team capitalized on key moments, with Lindsey Weiler scoring a layup off an assist from Ashlynne Guenther, contributing to the team's efforts to stay competitive.
 
Bemidji State continued to fight back with a layup from Plasch, narrowing the gap to five points. Guenther added a fast-break layup, assisted by Evyn Eppinga, further closing the deficit. However, the Wolves responded with a strong offensive push, ending the quarter with a 9-point lead, 22-13.
 
The Beavers began the second quarter by facing a scoring push from Northern State, highlighted by a 3-pointer from Megan Counts that put the visitors ahead. Bemidji State responded with strong free-throw shooting, including three consecutive successful attempts by Plasch at the 7:38 mark. Although the Beavers struggled with field goals, they capitalized on turnovers, notably with Tiffany Liddie's steal and fast-break layup.
 
Fineday's 3-pointer at 5:51 and subsequent layup at 2:55 helped Bemidji State cut into Northern State's lead. Despite a late push, the Wolves edged out the quarter, ending with a 37-27 advantage over the Beavers.
 
Bemidji State began the third quarter with a focused effort, narrowing the gap with back-to-back 3-pointers from Eppinga and Plasch, assisted by Beth Bolte and Fineday, respectively. This scoring run was bolstered by Bolte's defensive play, including a steal that led to further scoring opportunities. Despite these efforts, the Wolves responded with effective shooting in the paint, maintaining their lead throughout the quarter.
 
The quarter concluded with Bemidji State adding 17 points, largely through a mix of successful outside shooting and layups, while Northern State managed 19 points, maintaining its slight edge in the game. The quarter closed with Northern State leading 56-44.
 
The Beavers entered the fourth quarter looking to close the gap but faced challenges both offensively and defensively. Early in the quarter, Eppinga hit a jumper to keep the team in contention, but Northern State responded with a series of successful inside plays, extending its lead.
 
Bemidji State found success at the free-throw line, with Liddie converting all her attempts, including a three-pointer that cut into the deficit. In the closing minutes, the Beavers' defense forced turnovers, but Northern State's steady scoring from the paint maintained its advantage. The quarter ended with Northern State leading 73-55, with Bemidji State unable to overcome the deficit.
 
Plasch led the Beavers with 16 points, hitting 7 of 9 from the free-throw line and adding four rebounds. Liddie contributed 17 points, converting all six of her free-throw attempts and making three steals. Fineday scored eight points, including two 3-pointers, and recorded one steal. Eppinga added seven points and grabbed four rebounds, while also blocking one shot.
 
The Beavers have a record of 8-15 overall and 5-14 in NSIC play. The Wolves hold a record of 14-11 overall and 9-10 in NSIC competition. In their next game, Bemidji State will host the University of Jamestown on Saturday, Feb. 14. The matchup is set for 1 p.m. at the Sanford Center 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).