Beavers take on start of NSIC schedule
Men’s Basketball to kick off December with MSU Moorhead and Minnesota Crookston
Bemidji State University Men’s Basketball prepares for a home-and-home series this week, hosting Minnesota State University Moorhead and traveling to University of Minnesota Crookston. The Beavers and Dragons tip off at 5:30 p.m. Thursday and 1 p.m. Saturday in Crookston, Minn.
BEMIDJI, Minn. — Bemidji State University (3-4, 0-2 NSIC) fell to Minnesota State University Moorhead (5-3, 2-0 NSIC) 90-60 on Thursday night at BSU Gymnasium. The Beavers managed to score 32 points in the paint but were outpaced by the Dragons’ strong second-half performance, which included 61 points.
Bemidji State began the first half with an early layup by Austin Josephson, quickly establishing an initial lead. However, MSU Moorhead responded with a 3-pointer and a series of successful plays to gain momentum. Bemidji State countered with effective scoring in the paint, including a dunk by Henry Shannon III and a jumper that brought the team within striking distance.
As the half progressed, Bemidji State maintained pressure with critical defensive rebounds and a timely 3-pointer by Isaac Severts. Despite closing the gap with a strong finish, the Beavers ended the half trailing, with the score at 29-24 in favor of the Dragons.
Bemidji St. began the second half with John Pecarich hitting an early jumper, but MSU Moorhead responded quickly with a 3-pointer, setting the tone for a competitive start. Despite Bemidji St.’s defensive efforts, which included three steals and a block, the Dragons’ shooting accuracy allowed them to maintain their advantage. Josephson contributed with a fast-break layup, and Shannon III added points from the
free-throw line to keep the home team within reach.
Throughout the half, Bemidji St. made attempts to close the gap, highlighted by a 3-pointer from Severts and a jumper from Eddie Jallow Hedqvist. However, MSU Moorhead’s offensive consistency widened the lead, aided by eight 3-pointers and strong bench contributions. In the closing minutes, Bemidji St. continued to fight back, with Logan Sipple hitting a late 3-pointer, yet the Dragons maintained their lead. The half ended with MSU Moorhead leading 90-60.
Shannon III led the team with 15 points, converting five field goals and adding two blocks. Josephson contributed 11 points and recorded six rebounds before fouling out. Pecarich posted eight points, including two 3-pointers, and collected a steal. Dominic Fairbanks added six points and registered two steals.
Bemidji State is now 3-4 overall and 0-2 in NSIC play. MSU Moorhead improves to 5-3 on the season and 2-0 in NSIC competition.
Following this weekend, the Beavers stay on the road, traveling to the University of Jamestown at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 11 and Northern State University at 4 p.m. on Dec. 13. They’ll return home for a five-game stretch starting Dec. 18 with University of Mary and Dec. 20 against Minot State University.