Freshman Jai’Vionne Green wasted no time making his mark with Bemidji State University men’s basketball Thursday night in an 83-59 loss to University of Minnesota. Green recorded a team high 18 points and seven rebounds, which helped the Beavers to a lead through late in the first half.

Senior Will Harvey came out of the gates hot, scoring seven of the team’s first nine points, before finishing the game with nine. An attack of 3-pointers guided BSU to a game-high seven-point lead over Minnesota. Four of BSU’s eight field goals to start the game came as 3-pointers, each coming from different Beavers. Freshman Peyton Dibble hit his first 3-pointer of the game to give BSU a 20-13 lead with 10:27 to go in the first half.

The Beavers did not allow the Gophers to a lead until 2:52 remaining in the first half. Minnesota finished the first half on an 11-2 run to gain control of the game and a 38-29 halftime lead. Bemidji State failed to make another 3-point shot until early in the second half.

The Beavers begin the regular season Friday, Nov. 11 with a trip to Wisconsin Dells, Wis., for a pair of games. BSU first plays Lindenwood University at 5:30 p.m. followed by a tilt versus University of Central Missouri on Saturday, Nov. 12.