A game-opening run doomed the Bemidji State University men’s basketball team to Winona State University Saturday night in Winona, Minn., 95-80. Junior guard Sharif Black scored 21 points, 16 in the second half, as the Beavers (3-9, 1-6 Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference) were swept in its weekend trip against interdivisional opponents.

Black ended the first half with just five points, sinking 2-of-2 field goal attempts, and converted 4-of-7 in the second. The Warriors outshot the Beavers through the game, 56.9 percent to 51.9 percent, and outrebounded BSU, 33-25.

Winona State opened the game with a 14-2 run and never looked back. Senior forward Ben Best scored his first of 10 points on the night to snap a 14-0 run but the Beavers could not compile two baskets in a row during the first half. The Warriors went on two runs of 6-0 and one run of 9-0 in the final 10 minutes of the first period, taking a 49-21 advantage into halftime.

BSU shot over 50 percent and recorded a loss for just the third time this season. The Warriors built their halftime lead after shooting 66.7 percent from the field in the first half and finishing the game shooting 52.4 percent.

Bemidji State returns home to host St. Cloud State University at 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 6 and University of Minnesota Duluth at 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 7. Both games will be played at Sanford Center and will begin a five-game home stand for the Beavers.