SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Bemidji State University Men’s Basketball (6-14, 3-12 NSIC)
narrowly fell to Augustana University (13-7, 11-4 NSIC) with a final score of 69-67
on Friday night at the Elmen Center. The Beavers excelled in the paint, scoring 38
points, but could not overcome Augustana’s nine three-pointers.

Bemidji State started the first half with a strong inside presence, scoring
frequently in the paint. Henry Shannon III initiated the scoring with a jumper
assisted by John Pecarich, followed by a successful tip-in. Despite this, Augustana
responded with perimeter shooting, keeping the score close.

As the half progressed, Austin Josephson contributed with key plays, scoring a layup
and converting a three-point play, helping Bemidji State recover from a slight
deficit. The team’s defensive efforts were highlighted by three blocks, maintaining
pressure on the Vikings. In the closing moments, the Beavers managed to even the
score with a layup by Shannon, assisted by Pecarich, and a final free throw from
Shannon, concluding the half at 31-31.

Bemidji State opened the second half by matching the scoring tempo with Augustana,
with Shannon converting a fast break dunk to tie the game at 33. Nathan Fenske then
put the Beavers ahead briefly with a 3-pointer. Despite a series of offensive
rebounds, the team faced challenges maintaining the lead as the game remained
tightly contested.

Midway through the half, Josephson’s free throws helped Bemidji State regain a slim
lead at 59-55. With consistent scoring from Pecarich and defensive efforts
highlighted by Shannon’s rebounds and a block, Bemidji State continued to keep pace,
holding a slight edge over their opponents.

In the closing minutes, the teams exchanged points with Josephson’s free throws
tying the game at 67-67. However, a turnover in the final seconds allowed Augustana
to capitalize and secure the lead. Despite a last attempt by Shannon, Bemidji State
could not close the deficit, and the half ended with a narrow 69-67 advantage for
Augustana.

Shannon scored 19 points and recorded a team-high 11 rebounds, adding three blocks
to his performance. Josephson led the scoring effort with 21 points, converting all
11 of his free throw attempts and collecting 11 rebounds. Pecarich added 11 points
and contributed a game-high six assists, while Fenske posted seven points and
grabbed six rebounds.

The Beavers hold a record of 6-14 overall and 3-12 in NSIC play. Augustana stands at
13-7 overall and 11-4 in NSIC competition. In their next game, Bemidji State will
travel to face Wayne State College on Saturday, Jan. 31. The game is set to tip off
at 5:30 p.m. in Wayne, Nebraska.

WAYNE, Neb. — Bemidji State University Men’s Basketball (6-15, 3-13 NSIC) fell to
Wayne State College (NE) (14-8, 10-6 NSIC) 76-67 on Saturday night at Rice
Auditorium. The Beavers led nine times and scored 28 points in the paint, but the
Wildcats secured the victory by outscoring them 39-32 in the second half.

The first half began with Bemidji State establishing early momentum through a
3-pointer by John Pecarich, assisted by Nathan Fenske. The Beavers maintained a slim
lead with effective plays in the paint, including notable contributions from Henry
Shannon III, who scored multiple times from close range.

Bemidji State extended their lead to 30–20 at one point, with Austin Josephson
contributing both from the field and the free-throw line. However, the Wildcats
countered with a series of successful shots, tying the game at 31. Logan Sipple
briefly put the Beavers back in front with a layup at 1:03, but Wayne State’s late
3-pointer and free throw edged them ahead as the half concluded with Bemidji State
trailing 37–35.

Wayne State (NE) edged ahead in the second half, leveraging strong interior play to
shift momentum. The Beavers initially matched the pace, with Pecarich’s layup and
Fenske’s three-pointer giving them a brief lead. However, Wayne State’s effective
scoring in the paint and transition points allowed them to regain control.

Bemidji State countered with consistent efforts from the arc, highlighted by
Pecarich’s shooting, keeping the score tight midway through the half. Despite
efforts to narrow the gap, Wayne State extended their advantage in the latter
stages, securing a 39-32 half win. The game concluded with Wayne State leading
76-67.

Pecarich led the team with 25 points, including six 3-pointers, and collected six
rebounds. Fenske contributed 16 points, adding four steals and three assists to his
performance. Shannon finished with eight points and recorded two blocks before
fouling out. Brock Heffner added nine rebounds to his stat line, supporting the
team’s efforts on the boards.

Bemidji State is currently 6-15 overall and 3-13 in NSIC play. The Wildcats hold a
14-8 overall record and are 10-6 in the NSIC. The next challenge for the Beavers is
a road matchup against Minot State University on Thursday, Feb. 5. The game will tip
off at 7:30 p.m. in Minot, North Dakota.