BEMIDJI, Minn. — Bemidji State University Women's Basketball (9-17, 6-16 NSIC) secured a 77-68 victory over University of Minnesota Crookston (8-20, 7-15 NSIC), with a strong fourth-quarter performance at the BSU Gymnasium. This game was particularly special for Bemidji State as it was Senior Day, celebrating the contributions of seniors Kassandra Caron, Beth Bolte, and Tiffany Liddie.
 
Bemidji State opened the first quarter with strong defensive play, securing two early defensive rebounds and a block by Kassandra Caron. Caron also contributed offensively, making an early jumper in the paint. Despite a series of turnovers midway through the quarter, the Beavers regained momentum with a three-pointer by Gabrielle Fineday at 5:57, closing the gap in scoring. The Beavers capitalized on late free throws by Evyn Eppinga, who went 3-for-3 from the line at 1:04, giving them a lead. Eppinga further extended the advantage with a three-pointer at 52 seconds. The Beavers closed the first quarter ahead 22-18, demonstrating resilience and effective scoring from the line and beyond the arc.
 
The second quarter saw a significant shift early when Bemidji State's Eppinga connected on a 3-pointer, assisted by Ashlynne Guenther, to extend the lead to 25–18. However, the Golden Eagles responded with a series of points, including a 3-pointer by Natalie Mikrot, which helped them regain the lead. Despite several turnovers, the Beavers recaptured momentum with Fineday's consecutive 3-pointers, pushing the team back ahead briefly. Minnesota Crookston's Emma Miller kept the pressure on with successful shots, leading to a tight back-and-forth battle. Eppinga's shooting from beyond the arc helped Bemidji State stay competitive, but the quarter ended in a tie at 39–39 as time expired.
 
Bemidji State began the third quarter with a critical response to Minnesota Crookston's initial score, as Eppinga hit a 3-pointer to regain a narrow lead. The teams traded baskets, with the Beavers staying competitive through timely shooting and defensive rebounds. Fineday's layup at 7:14 tied the game, while Caron added consecutive scores to keep Bemidji State close. As the quarter progressed, the Beavers capitalized on a steal by Fineday and maintained pressure on defense, with Beth Bolte contributing a key block. Guenther's layup at 1:14 put the Beavers ahead, and Tieryn Plasch solidified the momentum with a jumper, assisted by Kendra Syverson, to extend the lead. The quarter concluded with Bemidji State ahead, 56-53, after outscoring Minnesota Crookston 17-14 in the third.
 
Bemidji State began the fourth quarter with a strong offensive push, highlighted by Eppinga's early 3-pointer. Despite Minnesota Crookston's efforts to close the gap with points in the paint, the Beavers maintained their advantage through efficient shooting and key defensive stops. Aubrey Heyer and Guenther contributed critical assists and rebounds, helping Bemidji State extend its lead. With Plasch hitting crucial free throws, the Beavers' defense limited the Golden Eagles to just one successful field goal in the final minute. Bemidji State sealed a 75-68 victory, outscoring Minnesota Crookston 21-15 in the quarter and controlling the rebound battle.
 
Eppinga scored 29 points, making eight of 12 three-point attempts, one shy of tying the program record for single-game threes made. Caron contributed 15 points and collected six rebounds. Plasch added 13 points, converting all six of her free-throw attempts. Fineday tallied 11 points, with three of her field goals coming from beyond the arc.
 
Bemidji State finishes the season with a record of 9-17 overall and 6-16 in NSIC play. Minnesota Crookston holds an 8-20 overall record with a 7-15 mark in NSIC competition. The Golden Eagles now prepare to take on Southwest Minnesota State University in the first round of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Tournament on February 25.
 
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).