Bemidji State Defeats Northwest Missouri State 96-93 in Overtime

Bemidji State erased a 17-point deficit and defeated Northwest Missouri State 96-93 in overtime on Friday at MWSU Fieldhouse in St. Joseph, Missouri.

Tate Olson scored 43 points and grabbed 16 rebounds to lead the Beavers to the win. Bemidji State finished the contest with 19 assists, 12 steals, and 23 points scored off 15 opponent turnovers.

The Bearcats built a 44-30 halftime lead after shooting 17-for-29 from the field in the opening half. Northwest Missouri State made 11 3-pointers during the contest, while Bemidji State countered with seven.

Bemidji State fought back in the second half, pulling even at 79-79 late in regulation. John Pecarich scored a jumper with 1:35 left in the second half to tie the score, and JP Musoke added a layup for an 81-81 tie before Olson put the Beavers ahead 83-81.

Robert Garcia sank two free throws with 18 seconds remaining in regulation to tie the game at 83-83. Neither team scored again before the buzzer sounded, sending the matchup into an extra session.

Olson took over in overtime, scoring Bemidji State’s first seven points of the period. He put the Beavers ahead 94-93 with a layup with 34 seconds left on the clock.

Pecarich added two free throws with 17 seconds remaining to extend the lead. Olson secured defensive rebounds after missed shots by the Bearcats with 22 seconds left and as time expired.

Olson finished his night with 43 points, 16 rebounds, five assists, four steals, and three blocks. Pecarich contributed 24 points, six steals, and five assists, while Jaxon Boschee added 11 points by going 4-for-4 at the free-throw line.

Bemidji State improved to 1-0 overall with the victory. The team plays Emporia State University on November 14, 2026, at 2 p.m. to close out the weekend.