BSU enters the thick of conference play with MSUM and UMC
Beavers play home-and-home series against MSUM and UMC Thursday and Saturday
Bemidji State University Women’s Basketball is set to host Minnesota State University Moorhead Thursday before heading on the road to University of Minnesota Crookston Saturday afternoon.
BEMIDJI, Minn. — Bemidji State University (4-2, 1-1 NSIC) edged Minnesota State University Moorhead (4-2, 1-1 NSIC), 55-53, at BSU Gymnasium, overcoming an 18-6 third-quarter deficit with a strong 17-point final quarter. The home team capitalized on a 15-for-16 performance from the free-throw line to secure the narrow victory.
Bemidji State opened the first quarter with efficient shooting, hitting 9 of 15 field goals and converting three 3-pointers. Tieryn Plasch sparked the offense early with a 3-pointer at 9:08, followed by a layup from Kassandra Caron that extended the lead. The home team controlled the paint with 12 points, while their bench contributed seven crucial points.
Defensively, Bemidji State limited the Dragons to just 3 of 14 shooting, including 1 of 6 from beyond the arc. The team also secured eight defensive rebounds, preventing second-chance opportunities for the visitors. A late 3-pointer by Brooklyn Wood widened the lead to 21-9, closing the quarter with a solid advantage.
Bemidji State opened the second quarter with defensive intensity, recording two blocks by Aubrey Heyer and Wood. This defensive effort set the tone early, though scoring was limited on both sides. Ashlynne Guenther’s turnover at 8:14 didn’t shift the game’s momentum significantly as Bemidji State maintained its composure.
The team capitalized on key offensive opportunities with Plasch and Heyer each hitting crucial 3-pointers, extending their lead. This offensive push was bolstered by assists from Heyer and Wood, showcasing effective ball movement. Despite MSU Moorhead’s attempts to close the gap, Bemidji State maintained a steady lead, finishing the quarter with a 32-21 advantage.
Bemidji State began the third quarter with a slight lead, but MSUM quickly shifted momentum. Caron scored an early layup at 8:50, maintaining a slim advantage. However, turnovers became a challenge for Bemidji State, leading to multiple scoring opportunities for the Dragons.
MSUM capitalized on these turnovers, scoring 10 points off turnovers and dominating the paint with 14 points. Despite Bemidji State’s attempts to hold the lead, including successful free throws by Kendra Syverson and Sam Veto, MSUM closed the quarter on a strong note.
MSUM’s Ashton Safranski assisted a critical layup by Terryn Johnson with just 14 seconds remaining, giving the visitors a narrow lead. Bemidji State ended the quarter trailing 39-38 after an 18-6 run by MSUM.
Bemidji State began the fourth quarter with a defensive stand, marked by Caron’s block and subsequent defensive rebound by Heyer. Guenther’s layup shortly after gave Bemidji State a brief lead. Despite a turnover, Bemidji State responded with Caron’s layup and free throws, maintaining close competition.
As the quarter progressed, Bemidji State found themselves trailing, but Syverson’s successful free throws tied the game at 51. With less than a minute remaining, Bemidji State called a timeout, which led to a decisive layup by Caron, putting them ahead 55-53. MSUM’s final attempt to regain the lead fell short, and Bemidji State secured the victory with a final score of 55-53.
Caron led the team with 14 points, converting 6 of 13 field goal attempts. Plasch contributed 11 points while hitting three 3-pointers and recording two steals. Syverson was perfect from the free-throw line, making 8 of 8 attempts. Heyer added 5 points and collected six rebounds, including five defensive boards.
Bemidji State currently holds a 4-2 overall record and stands at 1-1 in NSIC play. The Dragons are also 4-2 overall with a 1-1 record in the NSIC. In their next game, Bemidji State will head to Crookston, Minnesota, to face the University of Minnesota Crookston on Saturday, Dec. 6. The matchup is set for 3 p.m.
CROOKSTON, Minn. — Bemidji State University (5-2, 2-1 NSIC) defeated the University
of Minnesota Crookston (1-7, 0-3 NSIC), 86-76, with a strong performance from beyond
the arc, hitting 12 three-pointers. Despite trailing after the first quarter, the
Beavers secured the win with a 10-0 overtime run.
Bemidji State opened the game with an early advantage as Kassandra Caron scored a
layup, quickly followed by a 3-pointer from Ashlynne Guenther, assisted by Aubrey
Heyer, to take a 5-2 lead. Tieryn Plasch added another 3-pointer, extending the lead
to 8-2. The Beavers maintained control by converting free throws, with Caron sinking
all four attempts from the line.
Despite the Beavers’ strong start, the Golden Eagles staged a comeback. Riley
Jenkins and Anna Westby contributed key baskets to reduce the deficit, and a late
3-pointer by Hope Dudycha gave the Golden Eagles a 15-12 lead. The quarter concluded
with a layup in the final seconds by Westby, leaving the Beavers trailing 17-12 at
the end of the first quarter.
Bemidji State established control in the second quarter with a strong offensive
performance, highlighted by a barrage of three-pointers. Brooklyn Wood was
instrumental, hitting three from beyond the arc to help the Beavers surge ahead. A
key momentum shift came with a 7–0 run, capped by a Gabrielle Fineday three-pointer
at 3:16, pushing the lead to 30–26.
Defensively, the Beavers limited the Golden Eagles to just three field goals in the
quarter, with Beth Bolte contributing a crucial block. Aubrey Heyer secured a late
three-pointer with 0:04 remaining, closing out the quarter on a high note. The
Beavers led 41–30 at the end of the second quarter.
Bemidji State opened the third quarter with a strong performance in the paint, with
Caron scoring early at 9:46 to extend their lead. Despite the Golden Eagles’
attempts to close the gap, the Beavers maintained their advantage by scoring crucial
free throws and capitalizing on turnovers.
As the quarter progressed, the Beavers’ defensive efforts, including a block by
Caron at 5:35, helped limit the Golden Eagles’ scoring opportunities. The Beavers’
successful free throw shooting in the closing minutes, including a pair by Plasch at
0:11, ensured they kept their lead intact. The quarter concluded with the Beavers
leading 62-54.
Bemidji State started the fourth quarter by extending their lead with a
three-pointer from Fineday, assisted by Heyer, at 9:34. Despite a strong start, the
Golden Eagles responded with a series of successful field goals, including a layup
by Tayden Hanks, narrowing the gap.
Evyn Eppinga contributed significantly with a series of layups, maintaining a slight
edge for the Beavers. However, the Golden Eagles’ Emma Miller brought the score
close with a key three-pointer at 2:45.
As the game neared its conclusion, Caron kept the Beavers in contention by making
two crucial free throws at the 7-second mark, tying the game at 76. The quarter
ended with the score level, and Eppinga securing the final defensive rebound,
ensuring a draw at 76-76.
Bemidji State began the overtime quarter with a strong showing, as Heyer connected
on a 3-pointer at 4:43, assisted by Eppinga. The visitors maintained momentum with
Caron’s successful free throws, extending the lead to 82–76. Defensive contributions
were significant, with Guenther’s steal at 2:56 further stifling the Golden Eagles’
efforts.
As the quarter progressed, the Beavers’ defensive efforts were complemented by
efficient scoring. Eppinga’s layup increased their advantage to 84–76. The quarter
concluded with a layup by Caron at 0:38, sealing the quarter’s score at 86–76. The
Beavers’ defense held the Golden Eagles scoreless throughout the quarter, securing a
commanding close to the game.
Eppinga scored 19 points and collected seven rebounds, showcasing an effective
performance. Caron tallied 23 points, converting 15 of 18 free throws to lead the
scoring efforts. Wood made three 3-pointers, finishing with nine points. Heyer
contributed 10 points and recorded two blocks, adding defensive strength.
Bemidji State improved to 5-2 overall and 2-1 in NSIC play with their victory. The
Golden Eagles are now 1-7 overall and 0-3 in NSIC competition. In their next game,
Bemidji State will travel to face the University of Jamestown on Thursday, Dec. 11.
The matchup is set for 7:30 p.m. in Jamestown.