Beaver Fever Friday - Dominic Fairbanks - @BSUBeaversMBB

Bemidji State University Men's Basketball opens 2026 with University of Minnesota Duluth Saturday, January 3, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. in the BSU Gymnasium. The Beavers enter the weekend, and 2026, with a split 6-6 record, taking 3-4 in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. BSU holds sixth in the North Division and 11th overall. Prior to the break, the Beavers split a series with University of Mary and Minot State University. BEMIDJI, Minn. — Bemidji State University (6-7, 3-5 NSIC) fell to the University of Minnesota Duluth (10-4, 6-2 NSIC) with a final score of 89-77 on Saturday at the BSU Gymnasium. Bemidji State made 12 three-pointers, but the Bulldogs capitalized on turnovers to secure 26 points. Bemidji State started the first half with momentum, taking an early lead with a 3-pointer from Eddie Jallow Hedqvist assisted by Dominic Fairbanks. The home team maintained pressure, with Henry Shannon III and Austin Josephson contributing key baskets, including a dunk by Josephson at 17:16 to extend their lead. John Pecarich's shooting from beyond the arc was pivotal, as he connected on multiple 3-pointers, keeping Bemidji State ahead. However, Minnesota Duluth responded with a series of 3-pointers to close the gap. Despite Bemidji State's efforts, including strong defensive rebounding and blocks, turnovers allowed the Bulldogs to capitalize and eventually take the lead late in the half. The first half concluded with Bemidji State trailing 50–39. Bemidji State started the second half with a layup by Nathan Fenske, narrowing the gap to 50–41. The team then struggled with turnovers, allowing Minnesota Duluth to extend the lead, but Hedqvist responded with a three-pointer to keep Bemidji State within reach. Midway through the half, Austin Josephson and Dominic Fairbanks contributed with a layup and a three-pointer respectively, reducing the deficit to 63–52. Despite this, the Bulldogs maintained their lead with consistent scoring in the paint and from the perimeter. As the half progressed, Bemidji State's Hedqvist hit two consecutive three-pointers, closing the gap to 85–77. However, Minnesota Duluth managed to hold onto their lead, ending the half with a narrow 39–38 advantage over the Beavers, resulting in an overall score of 89–77. Hedqvist scored 24 points, including six 3-pointers, leading the offensive effort. Shannon contributed 15 points and secured 12 rebounds, adding two blocks to his defensive performance. Pecarich added 12 points, hitting four 3-pointers. Josephson posted 10 points, recorded three blocks, and collected nine rebounds. The Beavers are now 6-7 overall and 3-5 in NSIC competition. The Bulldogs improved to 10-4 overall and 6-2 in NSIC play. In their next matchup, Bemidji State will host Southwest Minnesota State University on Friday, Jan. 9 at BSU Gymnasium in Bemidji, Minnesota. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m.