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Bemidji State University men’s basketball saw a late scoring streak by No. 16 Northern State University end in a 75-54 loss in the weekend Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference opener in Aberdeen, S.D. The Beavers (4-5, 1-2 NSIC) led 32-31 at halftime before a 22-4 run by the Wolves (9-1, 3-0 NSIC) late in the game gave them the advantage.

Black began his team-high scoring output of the first half right off the bat while putting in two baskets in the first three minutes to put Bemidji State up early, 4-0. Both teams kept the game within one possession following Black’s second bucket, until the Beavers went on a quick 5-0 run midway through the half. After holding a 13-9 lead, the Wolves came back to take the lead that would be switched between both squads over the next minute.

The Beavers added a 6-0 run after the 6:21 mark to take their largest lead of the game, 26-20. Bemidji State finished the first half shooting 42.9 percent compared to 40 percent for Northern State, as the Wolves ended the first half on an 11-6 run. The Beavers took advantage of six Wolves turnovers in the first half, scoring eight points, to head into halftime with a 32-31 lead.

The one possession difference lasted throughout the first 10 minutes of the second half, as both teams traded the lead five times. The Wolves pulled away to the first two possession lead following a 5-2 run, 45-41, coming off an offensive rebound. A 3-pointer from senior guard Christian Pekarek brought the game within two points again, but it was short-lived as Northern State followed on a 22-4 run to pull away over the next seven minutes.

Black led all BSU scorers with 14 points while sophomore forward Logan Bader led the Beavers with nine rebounds. He added nine points, along with Pekarek, which both were behind sophomore guard Jai’Vionne Green with 10 points.

Bemidji State shot 40 percent from the field compared to 45 percent for Northern State. The Wolves also led in 3-point shooting, sinking 7-for-21 compared to 2-for-14 for the Beavers. NSU also took advantage of 10 offensive rebounds that were converted into 11 second chance points.

Bemidji State closes out its NSIC weekend Saturday with a trip to Moorhead, Minn., to face Minnesota State University Moorhead. The Beavers and Dragons tip off at 6 p.m. from Alex Nemzek Fieldhouse.