ST. CLOUD, Minn. — Bemidji State University (7-8, 4-7 NSIC) fell to St. Cloud State
University (6-10, 3-8 NSIC), 77-56, at Halenbeck Hall, with a strong second quarter
from the Huskies proving decisive. The Beavers recorded 23 points from their bench,
but St. Cloud St. dominated the paint with 44 points.

The first quarter began with Bemidji State establishing defensive pressure,
highlighted by Kassandra Caron’s early block and steal. The team capitalized on
turnovers and tied the game with a 3-pointer from Evyn Eppinga. The Beavers
controlled the pace with three blocks and two steals, frustrating St. Cloud State’s
attempts in the paint.

Bemidji State’s offensive efforts were bolstered by three successful 3-pointers,
including one each from Tieryn Plasch and Gabrielle Fineday, which helped them
maintain a narrow lead. The quarter concluded with Lindsey Weiler converting two
free throws to secure an 11–9 advantage for Bemidji State at the end of the quarter.

Bemidji State started the second quarter with a significant defensive play, as Caron
blocked a shot early. Despite this initial momentum, the Beavers faced challenges
maintaining possession, committing 10 turnovers during the quarter. The Huskies
capitalized on these errors, extending their advantage with efficient scoring,
including a critical three-pointer midway through the quarter.

Bemidji State struggled to find offensive rhythm, managing only four field goals.
However, the team showed resilience, closing the quarter with a pair of layups,
including a jumper by Weiler at the buzzer. Despite these efforts, the quarter ended
with Bemidji State trailing 39-21.

The Beavers began the third quarter with a tenacious defensive effort, highlighted
by Plasch’s steal and subsequent assist to Caron for a three-pointer at 9:29. This
initiated a strong offensive stretch, as Eppinga contributed with a three-pointer
and a fast-break layup, cutting into the deficit. Caron continued to be a key
player, securing both offensive and defensive rebounds, while also blocking a shot
to maintain pressure on the home team.

Despite St. Cloud State’s ability to score in the paint, Bemidji State’s outside
shooting was effective, with Fineday and Eppinga sinking crucial three-pointers.
Ashlynne Guenther added a mid-range jumper to further bolster the scoring effort. In
the closing minutes, Fineday’s free throws and Eppinga’s three-pointer brought
Bemidji State closer. The quarter ended with Bemidji State narrowing the gap,
trailing 58-44.

In the fourth quarter, the Beavers showed resilience but struggled to close the gap
against the Huskies. Fineday initiated momentum with a three-pointer at 7:25,
assisted by Eppinga, narrowing the score. Despite this effort, St. Cloud St.
maintained their advantage through consistent scoring, including multiple layups
from Reagan Briggs.

Bemidji St. continued to push, with Plasch adding a crucial three-pointer at 3:23,
assisted by Tiffany Liddie, but turnovers hindered further progress. The Huskies
capitalized on these opportunities, extending their lead with effective free-throw
shooting and points in the paint. The quarter concluded with Bemidji St. trailing,
and the final score was 77–56 in favor of St. Cloud St.

Fineday led the scoring effort with 13 points, converting 4 of 5 field goals,
including 3 of 4 from beyond the arc. Eppinga added 11 points and made 3 successful
3-point shots on five attempts. Plasch contributed with eight points, two steals,
and three assists, providing support on both ends of the court. Caron recorded a
strong defensive performance with four blocks, along with 10 points and six
rebounds.

Bemidji State holds a 7-8 overall record and is 4-7 in NSIC competition. The Huskies
stand at 6-10 on the season with a 3-8 record in NSIC play. In their next game, the
Beavers will travel to face Minnesota State University Mankato on Saturday, Jan. 17.
The matchup will take place at 5:30 p.m. in Mankato, Minnesota.

MANKATO, Minn. — Bemidji State fell to Minnesota State (18-0, 12-0 NSIC), 94-69,
despite a balanced scoring effort with 30 bench points. The Mavericks capitalized on
the Beavers’ 35 turnovers, converting them into 42 points.

Bemidji State opened the game with efficient shooting, converting 6 of 9 field goal
attempts, including two 3-pointers. The Beavers capitalized on early opportunities,
establishing a narrow lead. Tieryn Plasch and Sam Veto contributed crucial baskets,
while Gabrielle Fineday added a 3-pointer to extend the lead to 12–7.

Despite 10 turnovers, Bemidji State’s defensive efforts included two blocks and
strong rebounding, maintaining parity with Minnesota State. The Mavericks managed to
catch up, tying the game late with a fastbreak layup. The quarter concluded with a
balanced score of 14–14.

The second quarter featured a strong start by Bemidji State, with Evyn Eppinga
contributing early points and a defensive rebound. However, the Mavericks quickly
shifted the momentum with a series of successful plays, including a 3-pointer by
Adeline Kent and multiple fast-break points. Despite a solid defensive block and a
jumper by Aubrey Heyer, the Beavers struggled with turnovers, which Minnesota State
capitalized on to extend their lead.

The Mavericks maintained their scoring pressure throughout the quarter, closing with
a fast-break layup in the final seconds. Bemidji State concluded the quarter with 12
points, while Minnesota State added 35 points to their total, leading 49-26 at the
half.

Bemidji State began the third quarter facing a significant deficit and sought to
close the gap against Minnesota State. Despite a sequence of turnovers early in the
quarter, the Beavers’ offense found rhythm through strong shooting, converting 9 of
13 field goals, including 3 from beyond the arc. Defensively, Bemidji State
out-rebounded the Mavericks with 10 rebounds, limiting second-chance opportunities.

Kassandra Caron and Fineday delivered key baskets, contributing to a 25-point effort
in the quarter. However, Minnesota State maintained their scoring pace, capitalizing
on turnovers and fast-break opportunities to extend their lead. The quarter ended
with Minnesota State holding a 76-51 advantage.

In the fourth quarter, Bemidji State made significant strides with key contributions
from Beth Bolte, who hit a 3-pointer early on, and Heyer, who added a jumper and
free throws to keep the pressure on the Mavericks. Despite strong defensive efforts,
including a block by Heyer and a steal by Veto leading to a 3-pointer, the Beavers
faced challenges in keeping up with Minnesota State’s scoring from the paint and
bench contributions. The quarter concluded with both teams scoring 18 points each,
maintaining the existing score gap. Minnesota State finished with a 94–69 victory.

Eppinga scored 13 points and recorded four assists, leading the team’s scoring.
Fineday contributed with 12 points, converting all four of her field goal attempts,
including two 3-pointers. Heyer added nine points and collected seven rebounds,
while also posting two blocks. Caron matched Eppinga with 13 points and tallied two
steals, demonstrating her defensive impact.

Bemidji State holds a 7-9 overall record and is 4-8 in NSIC play. Minnesota State is
undefeated with an 18-0 overall record and 12-0 in NSIC competition. In their next
matchup, Bemidji State will host Concordia University, St. Paul on Friday, Jan. 23.
Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m. at the BSU Gymnasium in Bemidji, Minnesota.