Senior guard Tatum Sheley led the Bemidji State University women’s basketball with a balanced attack and 18 points despite falling to North Dakota State University, 79-59, in its season-opening exhibition. The Beavers opened the second half with a hot hand and a 15-4 run but could not pull closer than 14 points in the closing period.

The Beavers’ only lead came on their first basket of the game, scored by junior center Sierra Senske. BSU’s first 12 points came in the paint from five different scorers. After a 13-10 lead by NDSU less than five minutes into the game, the Bison went on an 11-3 run to end the first quarter. The Bison extended its lead to 46-22 heading into halftime.

Bemidji State heads home to begin the regular season with a 6 p.m. tipoff against Mayville State University on Saturday, Nov. 12. The Beavers and Comets have faced off 36 times, 31 of which BSU has won.