Beaver Fever Friday – Isaac Severts – @BSUBeaversMBB

ST. CLOUD, Minn. — Bemidji St. (6-10, 3-8 NSIC) fell to St. Cloud St. (12-5, 9-2
NSIC) with a final score of 66-55 on Friday night at Halenbeck Hall. The Beavers
managed to score 30 points in the paint but were held to just one successful
3-pointer out of 14 attempts.

Bemidji State began the first half with an early lead, paced by Henry Shannon III’s
block and subsequent defensive rebound. Notably, Brock Heffner made his debut in a
Beaver jersey tonight, adding a fresh dynamic to the team. John Pecarich’s layup at
18:31 started the scoring for the Beavers, and Dominic Fairbanks added a jumper to
extend their advantage to 4-2.

As the half progressed, the Beavers maintained momentum with significant
contributions from Austin Josephson, who secured several offensive rebounds, and a
key 3-pointer by Pecarich at 7:19, tying the score at 17. However, despite a strong
effort, Bemidji State faced challenges as St. Cloud St. capitalized on free throws
and a series of successful jumpers, opening a 40-27 lead by the end of the half.

Bemidji St. opened the second half by cutting into the Huskies’ lead with a series
of successful plays in the paint. Eddie Jallow Hedqvist scored early with a layup,
assisted by Pecarich, to start the scoring for the visitors. Josephson followed with
a productive stretch, contributing both offensively and defensively, including a
layup and two free throws that helped narrow the gap to 46–39.

Shannon III made a significant impact with a defensive block, followed by a layup,
maintaining the pressure on the Huskies. The Beavers continued to capitalize on
their opportunities, with Shannon III and Brock Heffner each adding points, keeping
them within reach. Despite the Huskies’ efforts to extend their lead with timely
3-pointers from Luke Winkel, the Beavers outscored the opponents 28–26 in the half,
closing the gap to a 66–55 deficit.

Shannon III led the team by scoring 14 points and blocking three shots, contributing
significantly on both ends of the court. Pecarich added 13 points and made two
assists, playing a crucial role in the offense. Josephson recorded a double-double
with 11 points and 14 rebounds, while also collecting two steals to aid the defense.
Hedqvist contributed with four rebounds and three assists, providing support in
various aspects of the game.

Bemidji State stands at 6-10 overall and 3-8 in NSIC competition. St. Cloud State
holds a 12-5 overall record and a 9-2 mark in NSIC play. In their next game, the
Beavers will travel to face Minnesota State University, Mankato on Saturday, Jan.
17. Tip-off is set for 3:30 p.m. at the Taylor Center in Mankato, Minnesota.

MANKATO, Minn. — Bemidji State University (6-11, 3-9 NSIC) fell to Minnesota State
University (11-9, 5-7 NSIC), 98-83, at Bresnan Arena on Saturday. The Beavers
managed 12 steals in the contest, but the Mavericks’ 44 points in the paint proved
decisive.

Bemidji State opened the contest with a layup from Henry Shannon III, assisted by
Eddie Jallow Hedqvist, setting an early tone. Despite an early lead, they faced a
strong offensive push from the Mavericks, who capitalized on scoring opportunities
in the paint and from beyond the arc.

The Beavers responded with key contributions from Dominic Fairbanks, who connected
on a pair of 3-pointers, and a fast-break dunk by Brock Heffner. However, turnovers
and fouls allowed the Mavericks to extend their advantage.

As the half progressed, the Beavers worked to close the gap with consistent efforts
from Shannon and Isaac Severts, who added a late 3-pointer. Despite their efforts,
the Beavers trailed 52-31 at the end of the first half.

Bemidji State opened the second half with a defensive stop, as Shannon recorded a
steal in the opening seconds. Despite an early scoring push from the Mavericks, the
Beavers responded with a series of successful shots, including a 3-pointer from
Heffner at 16:23. The team’s efforts were bolstered by strong defensive plays,
including nine total steals in the half.

The Beavers continued to press, closing gaps through strategic scoring and
maintaining pressure on their opponents. Fairbanks contributed significantly,
hitting multiple 3-pointers, including one at 3:16, which helped narrow the deficit.
Nathan Fenske’s fast-break layup with an added free throw at 1:48 further
demonstrated the team’s resilience.

The half concluded with the Beavers outscoring the Mavericks 52–46 in the second
half, closing the overall game at 98–83 in favor of the Mavericks.

Fairbanks led the way with 21 points, connecting on seven 3-pointers and dishing out
eight assists. Fenske contributed 12 points, made five field goals, and recorded
three steals. Shannon posted 14 points, secured five rebounds, and blocked two
shots. John Pecarich added eight points and collected two steals.

The Beavers are now 6-11 overall and 3-9 in NSIC competition after the loss. The
Mavericks hold a record of 11-9 overall and 5-7 in NSIC play. In their next game,
the Beavers will host Concordia University, St. Paul on Friday, Jan. 23 at 7:30 p.m.
in Bemidji, Minnesota.