MOORHEAD, Minn. — Bemidji State University (8-18, 5-16 NSIC) fell to Minnesota State
University Moorhead (13-14, 10-11 NSIC) with a final score of 65-85 on Thursday
night at Alex Nemzek Fieldhouse. The Beavers recorded eight blocks during the
contest.
Bemidji State started the first half on a challenging note but found some success
with solid contributions from John Pecarich, who led with 11 points, including two
three-pointers. Despite facing pressure and turnovers, the Beavers managed to keep
pace early, closing the gap with a 3-pointer from Logan Sipple at 10:32 to bring the
score to 21-23.
However, MSU Moorhead’s offense, fueled by Isa El-Amin’s and Landin Hacker’s
three-pointers, extended their lead as the half progressed. Bemidji State showcased
defensive efforts with four blocks, including two from Henry Shannon III, but
struggled on the boards, being outrebounded 25 to 12. As the half closed, the
Beavers trailed 46-27. Notably, Shannon’s performance contributed to him breaking
into the program’s top 10 for single-season rebounding, surpassing the previous
9th-place holder with his 231st rebound during the game.
Bemidji State opened the second half with defensive intensity, highlighted by Henry
Shannon III’s steal at 19:28, although they were unable to capitalize on the
subsequent possession. Despite an early scoring challenge, the Beavers’ Austin
Josephson converted two free throws at 18:10 to narrow the gap.
The Beavers found momentum with Eddie Jallow Hedqvist’s successful 3-pointer at
16:40, reducing the deficit. The team capitalized on a series of turnovers by MSU
Moorhead, with Nathan Fenske’s tip-in at 14:56 further closing the score margin.
In the latter half, Bemidji State held firm with contributions from John Pecarich,
who added a 3-pointer at 10:53. Despite strong efforts, MSU Moorhead maintained
their lead, closing the half 85–65, with the Beavers trailing by 20 points at the
conclusion of the second half.
Pecarich scored 17 points, including three 3-pointers, while also recording a block
and a steal. Shannon contributed with 12 points, collecting 10 rebounds and adding
three blocks and three steals. Sipple added 12 points and provided two assists.
Josephson scored 10 points and matched his teammate Shannon with three blocks.
Shannon’s performance also brought him within four blocks of the Beavers’
single-season blocks record, currently sitting at 63.
Bemidji State will host the University of Minnesota Crookston on Saturday, Feb. 21
at 3:30 p.m. for Senior Day. Fans are encouraged to join the Beavers in celebrating
Beach Day and Senior Day with a special recognition for senior forward Henry Shannon
III prior to the game.
BEMIDJI, Minn. — Bemidji State University Men’s Basketball (9-18, 6-16 NSIC) secured
a 99-90 victory over the University of Minnesota Crookston (6-22, 4-18 NSIC) on
Saturday at the BSU Gymnasium. Lone senior Henry Shannon III was celebrated pregame
and with thunderous applause in the final moments as the team honored him on Senior
Day.
The first half began with intense exchanges as Bemidji State and Minnesota Crookston
traded leads frequently. The Beavers’ offense was highlighted by Henry Shannon III’s
contributions, who effectively found the basket on multiple occasions, including a
dunk and several layups. John Pecarich also played a crucial role, connecting on a
couple of 3-pointers to keep the score close.
Minnesota Crookston maintained pressure with consistent scoring from beyond the arc,
matching Bemidji State’s efforts almost point for point. Both teams capitalized on
paint opportunities, with the Beavers slightly outscoring the Golden Eagles in this
area. As the half ended, Logan Sipple’s layup brought the score to a 50-50 tie,
setting up a competitive continuation for the following half.
Bemidji State opened the second half with Pecarich’s 3-pointer at 19:41, assisted by
Shannon III, setting the tone for a strong offensive performance. Austin Josephson’s
defensive rebound and subsequent dunk at 18:26 highlighted the Beavers’ ability to
capitalize on second chances. A key sequence saw Nathan Fenske hit a 3-pointer at
17:50, followed by another of Pecarich’s 3-pointers at 17:24, extending Bemidji
State’s lead.
The Beavers maintained momentum through effective defensive plays, including
Josephson’s block at 17:36, and strong offensive rebounding that fueled extended
possessions. With Shannon III’s layup and free throws, Bemidji State kept the
pressure on the Golden Eagles. Sipple’s fastbreak layup at 6:03, followed by Shannon
III’s 3-pointer at 5:13, further widened the gap.
The half concluded with the Beavers securing the lead through disciplined free-throw
shooting by Shannon III and Pecarich, who both converted key points in the final
minute. Bemidji State outscored Minnesota Crookston 49-40 in the second half,
concluding with a 99-90 victory.
Pecarich scored 27 points, connecting on five 3-pointers and collecting four steals
while also adding six assists. Shannon III led the team with 33 points and 11
rebounds, making 10 of his 12 free throw attempts. Notably, Shannon III’s
performance has placed him in the BSU men’s basketball single-season record books as
a top-five blocks earner and top-10 rebounder. Fenske contributed 15 points, hitting
two 3-pointers and recording four assists. Josephson added 12 points and eight
rebounds, while also making two steals in the game.
The Beavers finish the season 9-18 overall record with a 6-16 mark in NSIC play. The
Golden Eagles stand at 6-22 overall and 4-18 in NSIC competition, both teams out of
the running for the conference tournament beginning next week.