Beaver Fever Friday - Eddie Hedqvist - @BSUBeaversMBB

Beavers close fall semester with UMary and Minot State Holiday fun and NSIC stakes highlight two-game home stand against UMary and Minot State Bemidji State University Men's Basketball hosts Ugly Sweater Night and the Battle of the Beavers at the BSU Gymnasium Thursday and Saturday. Thursday's 5:30 p.m. tipoff against University of Mary will include a halftime ugly sweater contest while Saturday's game against Minot State University is set for 1:30 p.m. BEMIDJI, Minn. — Bemidji State University (6-5, 3-3 NSIC) secured an 89-77 victory over the University of Mary (4-7, 3-3 NSIC) on Thursday night at BSU Gymnasium. The Beavers capitalized on 11 steals to maintain their lead throughout the second half. Bemidji State opened the half with a strong start, with Austin Josephson scoring an early layup to set the pace. The team built momentum through effective shooting from beyond the arc, highlighted by 3-pointers from John Pecarich and Dominic Fairbanks, resulting in an early advantage. Pecarich's performance was particularly noteworthy, marking his fourth game in the last seven where he has scored 30 or more points. The home team maintained control with eight assists, showcasing teamwork and ball movement. As the half progressed, the Beavers expanded their lead with Isaac Severts' fast-break dunk at 11:17 and Henry Shannon III's layup at 8:05, reinforcing their presence in the paint. Despite a brief rally from the Marauders, Bemidji State quickly responded with consecutive scores, including a 3-pointer by Fairbanks with 36 seconds remaining. The half concluded with the Beavers leading 45-38, maintaining a narrow edge as they headed into the next phase of the game. Bemidji State began the second half with a strong defensive effort, highlighted by Shannon's key steals. Josephson's early dunk and subsequent scoring from Pecarich helped maintain momentum. Midway through the half, Bemidji State capitalized on turnovers, with Nathan Fenske contributing to the scoring drive. As the half progressed, the Beavers expanded their lead with efficient shooting and solid defense. Shannon continued to impact the game with a fast-break dunk, bolstered by assists from teammates. Despite efforts from the Marauders to close the gap, Bemidji State finished the game ahead, leading 89-77, securing a solid advantage. Pecarich led the Beavers with 33 points, converting 12 of 21 field goals and making four 3-pointers, while also recording three steals. Shannon added a double-double, scoring 12 points and collecting 12 rebounds, alongside four steals and five assists. Josephson finished with 16 points, hitting 7 of 8 field goals and grabbing eight rebounds. Severts contributed nine points and made two steals on defense. Bemidji State improved to 6-5 overall and 3-3 in NSIC play following their win. The Marauders are now 4-7 on the season, with a 3-3 record in NSIC competition. In their next game, the Beavers will host Minot State University at BSU Gymnasium in Bemidji. The matchup is set for Saturday, Dec. 20, at 1:30 p.m. CT. BEMIDJI, Minn. — Bemidji State University (6-6, 3-4 NSIC) fell to Minot State University (7-6, 4-3 NSIC) 89-83 on Saturday night at BSU Gymnasium. The Beavers made a strong second-half push with 50 points but could not overcome Minot State's 43-point first half. Bemidji State began the first half with a solid start, highlighted by John Pecarich's early 3-pointer and Henry Shannon III's effective scoring inside the paint. Despite some turnovers, the Beavers managed to maintain competitive pressure, with Austin Josephson contributing from the free-throw line to keep the score close. However, Minot State capitalized on fast breaks and bench scoring to pull ahead. Parker Falcon's shooting from beyond the arc and Deuce Benjamin's playmaking helped the visiting Beavers open a lead. Bemidji State responded with Nathan Fenske's 3-pointer and strong defensive rebounds from Josephson, yet trailed 43-33 at the end of the half. Bemidji State opened the second half with a 3-pointer from Pecarich, assisted by Shannon III, cutting into Minot State's lead. Despite a strong early push, including another three from Pecarich and a layup by Josephson, Minot State maintained pressure with consistent scoring in the paint. A timeout at 16:25 allowed Bemidji State to regroup, leading to a 3-pointer from Eddie Jallow Hedqvist, narrowing the deficit. As the half progressed, Bemidji State continued to challenge with notable contributions from Hedqvist and Shannon III, who both found success inside and beyond the arc. However, Minot State responded effectively, maintaining a slight edge. In the final stretch, Bemidji State's efforts, highlighted by Pecarich's scoring and defensive plays, allowed them to close the gap slightly. The half ended with Bemidji State scoring 50 points to Minot State's 46, leaving the score at 89-83 in favor of Minot State. Pecarich led the team with 26 points, converting 9 of 18 field goal attempts and successfully making three 3-pointers. Shannon III contributed significantly with 20 points, 8 rebounds, and added two blocks and two steals. Hedqvist scored 17 points, making five 3-pointers out of 12 attempts. Josephson completed the game with 10 points, perfect from the free-throw line by converting 6 of 6 attempts, while also collecting eight rebounds. The Beavers are now 6-6 overall and 3-4 in NSIC competition. Minot State improves to 7-6 overall and 4-3 in NSIC play. In their next game, the Beavers will host the University of Minnesota Duluth on Saturday, Jan. 3. Tip-off is set for 1:30 p.m. at BSU Gymnasium in Bemidji, Minnesota.