Beavers host Mustangs and Cougars for Friday/Saturday slate
BSU finishes five-game homestand with SMSU and USF this weekend

Bemidji State University Women’s Basketball prepares to host Southwest Minnesota State University and University of Sioux Falls at the BSU Gymnasium this weekend. BSU hosts SMSU Friday at 7:30 p.m. followed by USF Saturday at 5:30 p.m.

BEMIDJI, Minn. — Bemidji State University (6-7, 3-6 NSIC) fell to Southwest
Minnesota State University (8-6, 6-3 NSIC), 75-69, at BSU Gymnasium, despite holding
a halftime lead. The visitors surged in the third quarter with 30 points to overcome
the home team.

The game commenced with Kassandra Caron’s layups giving the Beavers an early
advantage. Evyn Eppinga contributed with an assist and a jumper, helping to build
momentum. The Beavers maintained their edge with efficient shooting, including a
timely 3-pointer by Tieryn Plasch that extended their lead to 7-2.

As the quarter progressed, the home team’s offense capitalized on second-chance
opportunities, with Lindsey Weiler and Gabrielle Fineday each connecting on
3-pointers. Bemidji State’s defensive rebounding limited the Mustangs’ scoring
chances, allowing the Beavers to end the first quarter ahead, 22-18.

Bemidji State opened the second quarter with a strong defensive stand, highlighted
by Plasch’s steal within the first 18 seconds. The team capitalized on turnovers and
executed well in the paint, scoring 10 points in that area. Ashlynne Guenther and
Eppinga contributed key baskets, and Plasch closed the quarter with a 3-pointer at
the buzzer.

Defensively, Bemidji State limited Southwest to 3-of-21 shooting from the field. The
home team also recorded three blocks, with significant defensive rebounds preventing
the visitors from gaining momentum. Despite the opponents scoring five points off
turnovers, Bemidji State maintained a lead, ending the quarter at 35-27.

Bemidji State started the third quarter with a four-point lead, but momentum shifted
early as Southwest connected on a 3-pointer, closing the gap. Aubrey Heyer responded
with a 3-pointer for the Beavers at 8:51, maintaining a slight cushion. Despite
efforts from Bemidji State, including a timely jumper from Eppinga, the quarter saw
back-and-forth scoring, with both teams exchanging leads multiple times.

Eppinga was instrumental in keeping the game tight, netting crucial free throws and
a jumper in the paint. However, the Mustangs capitalized on turnovers and secured
the lead with a late scoring burst. The quarter concluded with Bemidji State
trailing 57-53, as Southwest outscored them 30-18 in the third quarter.

Bemidji State entered the fourth quarter seeking to close the gap against the
Mustangs. The quarter opened with Southwest extending their lead with successful
layups by Audrey Swanson and Nicole Maenke. The Beavers responded with free throws
from Caron and a layup by Caron later on, narrowing the deficit.

Midway through the quarter, the Beavers made a push with an assist from Plasch
leading to a layup by Caron, tying the game at 65. Weiler’s free throw briefly put
the Beavers in the lead. However, the Mustangs regained momentum with points from
Elizabeth Wagner and Maenke, retaking the lead.

In the closing minutes, Bemidji State’s attempts to reclaim the lead were thwarted
as Maenke sealed the game with free throws, solidifying Southwest’s advantage. The
quarter ended with Southwest winning, 75-69.

Plasch led the team with 16 points, including three 3-pointers, and added three
assists. Eppinga scored 13 points, converting 7 of 8 free throws, and collected five
rebounds. Caron contributed 12 points on 4-for-4 shooting from the free-throw line.
Weiler recorded eight rebounds and added eight points to the effort.

Bemidji State is now 6-7 overall and holds a 3-6 record in NSIC play. Southwest
improves to 8-6 overall and 6-3 in NSIC competition. In their next game, the Beavers
will host the University of Sioux Falls on Saturday, Jan. 10. Tip-off is set for
5:30 p.m. at BSU Gymnasium in Bemidji, Minnesota.

BEMIDJI, Minn. — Bemidji State University (7-7, 4-6 NSIC) defeated the University of
Sioux Falls (8-8, 5-5 NSIC), 76-70, at BSU Gymnasium, securing the win with a strong
43-32 rebounding advantage. This victory also marked the end of a five-game losing
streak for the Beavers, adding a significant morale boost to their performance.

Bemidji State began the first quarter with a resilient performance, overcoming an
early deficit. Lindsey Weiler’s layup at 7:05, assisted by Ashlynne Guenther,
initiated the scoring for the Beavers, narrowing the Cougars’ lead. Evyn Eppinga’s
three-pointer at 4:12 provided a crucial momentum shift, putting the home team
ahead.

The home team maintained pressure through strong rebounding, outmatching Sioux Falls
14–10 on the boards. Kendra Syverson’s three-point play extended the lead, and
Aubrey Heyer’s tip-in with 1:23 left helped the Beavers conclude the quarter with a
narrow 19-17 advantage.

Bemidji State opened the second quarter with a critical 3-pointer by Tieryn Plasch
at 9:10, assisted by Guenther, setting the momentum early. The team capitalized on
defensive pressure, recording three steals, including two by Plasch, while
maintaining a strong presence in the paint, matching the Cougars with eight points
inside.

Heyer contributed a key defensive rebound and followed with a jumper at 6:50,
extending the lead further. Sioux Falls narrowed the gap late in the quarter, but
the Beavers responded with a 3-pointer from Heyer with just one second remaining,
closing the quarter with a 35-31 advantage.

Bemidji State began the third quarter with a scoring push, highlighted by Kassandra
Caron’s jumper at 9:26 and defensive stop, including a block. Despite turnovers, the
Beavers maintained pressure, with Syverson hitting a critical 3-pointer to retake
the lead at 6:39.

Midway through the quarter, the Beavers capitalized on scoring opportunities with
Eppinga contributing a jumper and a layup. Caron’s consecutive 3-pointers at 3:52
and 3:17 established a five-point lead. Sioux Falls responded but the Beavers
sustained their edge.

In the closing minutes, Bemidji State held firm defensively and extended their lead
with crucial free throws. The quarter ended with the Beavers leading 59-55, matching
the Cougars’ 24 points for the quarter, maintaining their advantage going into the
final stretch.

The Beavers began the fourth quarter with a narrow lead and quickly extended it with
a 3-pointer by Caron at 9:17, assisted by Heyer. Sioux Falls responded with a series
of layups, keeping the game tightly contested.

Midway through the quarter, Plasch connected on a 3-pointer at 8:08, assisted by
Caron, to widen the gap again. Despite multiple turnovers, the Beavers maintained a
slight edge, with Eppinga securing a crucial defensive rebound at 0:53.

In the closing minutes, Caron added another 3-pointer at 2:35, and Eppinga converted
two free throws with 11 seconds remaining to ensure a victory. The quarter ended
with the Beavers leading 76–70, securing a win on their home court.

Caron led with 24 points and secured 10 rebounds, including four 3-pointers,
showcasing her shooting accuracy. Eppinga added 19 points and recorded three
assists, hitting three of her six 3-point attempts. Plasch contributed 12 points and
collected five rebounds while making all six of her free throw attempts. Heyer
posted 13 rebounds and blocked two shots, providing a strong presence on defense.

The Beavers hold a record of 7-7 overall and 4-6 in NSIC play. The Cougars stand at
8-8 overall and 5-5 in NSIC competition. In their next game, Bemidji State will face
St. Cloud State University on Friday, Jan. 16 at 7:30 p.m. CT. The team will travel
to St. Cloud, Minnesota, for this matchup.