MOORHEAD, Minn. — Bemidji State University (8-17, 5-16 NSIC) fell to Minnesota State University Moorhead (13-12, 10-11 NSIC), 79-43, at Alex Nemzek Fieldhouse. The Beavers were led by their bench scoring, contributing 22 of their total points. With this loss, the Beavers are now out of playoff contention, marking a tough end to their postseason aspirations.
 
Bemidji State opened the first quarter with strong defensive play and efficient scoring, highlighted by Kassandra Caron's early layup to set the tone. The visitors managed to build a slight lead with a 3-pointer from Gabrielle Fineday at 6:30, pushing the score to 9-2. Despite the Dragons' attempts to close the gap, including a layup from Caylin Kelly, the Beavers maintained their edge.
 
As the quarter progressed, the teams exchanged leads multiple times. Bemidji State's offense was punctuated by Caron's consistent scoring in the paint, contributing significantly to the team's 12 points in the paint. The quarter remained tightly contested, culminating with Fineday's two free throws at 0:59, which secured a narrow 17-16 lead for the Beavers at the close of the first quarter.
 
Bemidji State started the second quarter with strong defensive rebounding and a quick layup by Ashlynne Guenther to tie the game at 19-19. Tieryn Plasch then contributed with two successful free throws, giving the visitors a brief advantage at 21-19. Despite this early momentum, the Beavers struggled with turnovers throughout the quarter, committing 11, which allowed MSU Moorhead to gain control.
 
The Dragons capitalized on the Beavers' miscues, converting several turnovers into points and executing a 15-2 run to close out the quarter. Bemidji State managed to add only six points in the quarter, trailing by 11 points at halftime with a score of 34-23 in favor of the Dragons.
 
The Beavers faced a challenging third quarter against MSU Moorhead. The Dragons capitalized on turnovers, with Ashton Safranski and Abby Berge leading a series of scoring drives, expanding their advantage early on. Bemidji State struggled to maintain possession with seven turnovers, but Tiffany Liddie and Kendra Syverson provided defensive stops with key steals, briefly halting the Dragons' momentum.
 
Despite MSU Moorhead's strong offensive performance, Bemidji State showed resilience towards the end. Ashlynne Guenther and MaCee Linow contributed scoring efforts, including a three-pointer by Syverson, closing the quarter. The quarter concluded with the Dragons leading 58–33.
 
Bemidji State opened the fourth quarter with consistent defensive efforts, securing 13 rebounds and forcing turnovers, but struggled to find the basket, converting just one field goal out of 17 attempts. Gabrielle Fineday provided a spark with a jumper from the paint, contributing to Bemidji State's offensive push. However, the Dragons capitalized on their shooting opportunities, making eight field goals, including two 3-pointers.
 
Despite Bemidji State's solid free-throw shooting, converting 8 of 10 attempts, MSU Moorhead maintained its momentum with 10 paint points and four assists that facilitated efficient scoring. The Beavers' defensive tenacity resulted in one steal and held the Dragons to several missed shots, but the opposition's bench contributed significantly, scoring 13 points. The quarter concluded with the Dragons leading 79–43.
 
Ashlynne Guenther scored seven points and added one assist. Kendra Syverson contributed five points and recorded five rebounds. Gabrielle Fineday tallied seven points and collected four rebounds. Kassandra Caron posted six points, secured five rebounds, and made one block.
 
Bemidji State has a record of 8-17 overall and 5-16 in NSIC play. The Dragons hold a record of 13-12 overall and 10-11 in NSIC competition.
 
Looking ahead, Bemidji State is set to host the University of Minnesota Crookston on Saturday, Feb. 21. The game will tip off at 1:30 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).