BSU heads on the road for pair of NSIC matches
Beavers look to extend wins into first full road weekend of NSIC play

Bemidji State University Men’s Basketball heads on the road Thursday and Saturday for a pair of Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference matchups. BSU will play University of Jamestown at 5:30 p.m. Thursday followed by Northern State University Saturday at 4 p.m.

The Beavers sit at an even 4-4 overall record with a 1-2 record in the NSIC. They hold fifth in the Northern Division, one space above Thursday’s competition, Jamestown. Last weekend, the Beavers split their home-and-home series with a loss against Minnesota State University Moorhead, 90-60, followed by a win over University of Minnesota Crookston, 87-77.

JAMESTOWN, N.D. — Bemidji State University (4-5, 1-3 NSIC) fell to the University of
Jamestown (4-6, 2-2 NSIC) in a closely contested match, 98-94, after an overtime
period at Harold Newman Arena on Thursday night. Bemidji State recorded 10 blocks in
the game, but it was not enough to overcome the Jimmies’ 18 three-pointers.

Bemidji State opened the first half with strong offensive execution, marked by a
3-pointer from Eddie Jallow Hedqvist at 17:52, which tied the game early on. Austin
Josephson’s defensive prowess contributed with six blocks, helping maintain momentum
and limiting the Jimmies’ scoring opportunities.

John Pecarich fueled the offense with multiple successful shots, including a
3-pointer at 13:00, which helped the Beavers gradually build their lead. This was
the third game in the past five that Pecarich scored 30 or more points,
demonstrating his consistency and offensive power. The team’s effective ball
movement was evident with six assists, including a crucial one from Dominic
Fairbanks to Josephson for a dunk at 2:13. Bemidji State closed the half with a
buzzer-beater 3-pointer from Jallow Hedqvist, extending the lead to 38-30 over
Jamestown.

The second half commenced with the Beavers’ Josephson assisting Fairbanks for a
crucial 3-pointer at 18:21, maintaining a narrow lead. Despite turnovers, Bemidji
State’s defense held firm, with Henry Shannon III contributing a key layup at 15:27
and later blocking a shot at 4:14. The team regained momentum as Jallow Hedqvist
connected on a 3-pointer at 4:26.

As the half neared its conclusion, Pecarich’s layup at 55 seconds put Bemidji State
ahead. However, Jamestown equalized moments later with free throws, and a final
turnover by Pecarich at 20 seconds allowed Jamestown to tie the game 73–73. The
second half ended with Bemidji State and the Jimmies deadlocked, setting the stage
for a tense finish.

The extra period began with Bemidji State’s Pecarich hitting a crucial 3-pointer at
2:09 to level the score at 76-76. Despite a back-and-forth exchange, including a
tip-in by Jamestown’s Thomas Diew, Bemidji State responded with Jallow Hedqvist’s
jumper with 1:01 remaining, tying the score again at 78-78.

In the final seconds, Jallow Hedqvist connected on another jumper, leveling the
score at 80-80. Shannon contributed with a pivotal block at the buzzer, preventing
the Jimmies from securing a last-second win. The extra period concluded with both
teams tied at 80-80.

Bemidji State opened overtime with a quick momentum shift as Pecarich’s free throw
tied the game at 81, followed by Josephson’s tip-in to take the lead. Jallow
Hedqvist extended the advantage with a 3-pointer at 3:51, assisted by Shannon,
pushing the score to 86-80.

Jallow Hedqvist continued to contribute with a jumper, increasing the margin to
eight points. Jamestown responded with a late surge, including a 3-pointer by Cole
Glasgow, narrowing the gap to 89-86. Despite Jamestown’s efforts, Bemidji State
maintained composure, with Fairbanks’ free throw making it 90-88.

As the clock wound down, Anthony Walters’ layup for the Jimmies tied the game at 90
with 10 seconds left. Bemidji State’s final attempt missed, and overtime concluded
in a 90-90 tie, sending the game into another overtime.

Bemidji State began the additional overtime by quickly trying to close the gap with
a defensive rebound by Fairbanks at 4:23. Despite efforts to capitalize, the team
faced a scoring challenge, missing several opportunities in the paint. Jamestown
managed to slightly extend their lead with successful free throws by Davis Walker at
4:13, putting the Beavers at a disadvantage early in the half.

Midway through the extra frame, Bemidji State’s Fairbanks made a jumper at 2:43,
keeping the team within reach. Pecarich contributed with another jumper at 1:57,
bringing the score to 94-96. Despite a critical defensive stop with a steal by
Pecarich at the 30-second mark, Bemidji State couldn’t convert on subsequent
possessions. As overtime closed, Bemidji State fought hard but was unable to
overcome Jamestown’s late free throws. With missed opportunities in the final
seconds, Bemidji State ended overtime trailing, with the final score at 98-94.

Pecarich scored 32 points and collected seven rebounds, leading the offensive
efforts. Jallow Hedqvist added 26 points, including five 3-pointers, contributing
significantly from beyond the arc. Shannon recorded 12 rebounds and blocked four
shots, dominating the defensive side. Josephson posted 13 rebounds and also blocked
four shots, showcasing strong presence in the paint.

The Beavers hold a record of 4-5 overall and 1-3 in NSIC play. The Jimmies are
currently 4-6 overall with a 2-2 record in NSIC competition. Looking ahead, Bemidji
State will face Northern State University on Saturday, Dec. 13. The game will take
place at 4 p.m. in Aberdeen, South Dakota.

ABERDEEN, S.D. — Bemidji State University Men’s Basketball (5-5, 2-3 NSIC) secured a
narrow victory over Northern State University (2-8, 2-3 NSIC) with a final score of
66-63 on Saturday at Wachs Arena. The Beavers outscored the Wolves 38-33 in the
second half, overcoming a two-point halftime deficit.

Bemidji State opened the first half with an effective start, with Austin Josephson
scoring a layup at 19:48, assisted by Dominic Fairbanks, and Eddie Jallow Hedqvist
hitting a 3-pointer shortly after to establish an early lead. Despite maintaining a
strong offensive presence in the paint, BSU faced a back-and-forth battle, as the
teams tied the score three times throughout the half.

Henry Shannon III played a crucial role with multiple defensive rebounds and key
field goals, contributing significantly to the team’s efforts to keep the game
close. As the half progressed, Bemidji State succeeded in cutting a late deficit
with a layup and free throw by John Pecarich, tying the game at 28-28 with 15
seconds remaining. However, NSU managed to edge ahead with two free throws in the
final seconds, closing the half with a narrow 30-28 advantage.

The second half began with BSU taking an early lead, highlighted by Pecarich’s
jumper and Fairbanks’ layup to make it 32-30. The Beavers maintained their advantage
through efficient free-throw shooting from Shannon, who added two more points to
extend the lead. A 3-pointer by Hedqvist at 16:31 further solidified Bemidji State’s
position, although the Wolves kept pace with strategic plays.

As the half progressed, BSU continued to find success inside, with key defensive
rebounds by Josephson and Shannon. Despite turnovers, the Beavers regained momentum
with timely baskets, including a crucial layup by Pecarich. In the closing minutes,
a layup by Fairbanks and a jumper from Shannon at 00:36 secured the lead. Two
fast-break free throws by Fairbanks with 8 seconds remaining sealed the game at
66-63 in favor of Bemidji State.

Shannon led the team with 21 points and 13 rebounds, including two blocks. Pecarich
contributed 16 points, converting seven of eight free throws and recording two
steals. Hedqvist scored 11 points, all from three-point range, and added three
rebounds. Josephson finished with 10 points and six rebounds, along with one block.

The Beavers stand at 5-5 overall and 2-3 in NSIC play. The Wolves hold a 2-8 overall
record and are also 2-3 in NSIC competition.