Bemidji State falters in exhibition at Valley City State, 86-83

The Bemidji State University men’s basketball program suffered an 86-83 loss in its exhibition opener against Valley City State University. Junior guard Ja Morgan and sophomore forward Derek Thompson led the Beavers with 15 points each as the Beavers faced former BSU assistant coach and current VCSU head coach Ryan Montgomery.

Six newcomers and one redshirt freshman saw their first action with the Beavers in the exhibition contest Saturday at Valley City State. Transfer guard Morgan and transfer guard Jacob Hoffman each played in at least 30 minutes, while Hoffman scored 14 points on 5-of-10 shooting from the field.

Bemidji State took its largest lead of the game, 15-7, following a 3-pointer from Hoffman with 14:56 in the first half. Valley City State scored 10 of the next 11 points for its first lead of the game, 17-16. The Vikings continued their surge through the final half of the opening period, going into halftime with a 45-40 lead.

The Beavers climbed back to take the lead four times through the second half, lastly by transfer guard Allen Anderson on a jump shot to go ahead, 62-61, midway through the second half. Valley City State scored five straight points to go ahead for the last time on the day.

Four Beavers finished with double-digit scoring on the day, including Hoffman with 14 points and junior forward Logan Bader with 10 points. Junior guard Logan Longo led the BSU bench with 15 minutes played while shooting 2-of-3 from the field for five points. Thompson finished his day with a double-double, leading the Beavers with 14 rebounds.

Bemidji State continues its exhibition schedule Tuesday, Nov. 6 at University of Northern Iowa. The Beavers and Panthers tip-off at 7 p.m. in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.