BEMIDJI, Minn. — Bemidji State University Men's Basketball (9-18, 6-16 NSIC) secured a 99-90 victory over the University of Minnesota Crookston (6-22, 4-18 NSIC) on Saturday at the BSU Gymnasium. Lone senior Henry Shannon III was celebrated pregame and with thunderous applause in the final moments as the team honored him on Senior Day.
 
The first half began with intense exchanges as Bemidji State and Minnesota Crookston traded leads frequently. The Beavers' offense was highlighted by Henry Shannon III's contributions, who effectively found the basket on multiple occasions, including a dunk and several layups. John Pecarich also played a crucial role, connecting on a couple of 3-pointers to keep the score close.
 
Minnesota Crookston maintained pressure with consistent scoring from beyond the arc, matching Bemidji State's efforts almost point for point. Both teams capitalized on paint opportunities, with the Beavers slightly outscoring the Golden Eagles in this area. As the half ended, Logan Sipple's layup brought the score to a 50-50 tie, setting up a competitive continuation for the following half.
 
Bemidji State opened the second half with Pecarich's 3-pointer at 19:41, assisted by Shannon III, setting the tone for a strong offensive performance. Austin Josephson's defensive rebound and subsequent dunk at 18:26 highlighted the Beavers' ability to capitalize on second chances. A key sequence saw Nathan Fenske hit a 3-pointer at 17:50, followed by another of Pecarich's 3-pointers at 17:24, extending Bemidji State's lead.
 
The Beavers maintained momentum through effective defensive plays, including Josephson's block at 17:36, and strong offensive rebounding that fueled extended possessions. With Shannon III's layup and free throws, Bemidji State kept the pressure on the Golden Eagles. Sipple's fastbreak layup at 6:03, followed by Shannon III's 3-pointer at 5:13, further widened the gap.
 
The half concluded with the Beavers securing the lead through disciplined free-throw shooting by Shannon III and Pecarich, who both converted key points in the final minute. Bemidji State outscored Minnesota Crookston 49-40 in the second half, concluding with a 99-90 victory.
 
Pecarich scored 27 points, connecting on five 3-pointers and collecting four steals while also adding six assists. Shannon III led the team with 33 points and 11 rebounds, making 10 of his 12 free throw attempts. Notably, Shannon III's performance has placed him in the BSU men's basketball single-season record books as a top-five blocks earner and top-10 rebounder. Fenske contributed 15 points, hitting two 3-pointers and recording four assists. Josephson added 12 points and eight rebounds, while also making two steals in the game.
 
The Beavers finish the season 9-18 overall record with a 6-16 mark in NSIC play. The Golden Eagles stand at 6-22 overall and 4-18 in NSIC competition, both teams out of the running for the conference tournament beginning next week.
 
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).