BEMIDJI, Minn. – Bemidji State started the game on a 10-0 run and never looked back earning a 77-54 Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference victory over Southwest Minnesota State on Saturday afternoon in Bemidji, Minn. The loss marks the fifth straight for SMSU, as the Mustangs fall to 5-12 on the season, including 4-9 in the NSIC.

Bemidji State (7-11, 5-8 NSIC) snapped an eight-game losing streak with a win over Minnesota State on Friday night, and has now won two straight games.

Shannon Thompson led the Beavers with a career-high 25 points. She finished the game 6 of 11 from the floor, including 4 of 8 from 3-point range. Thompson also added nine points from the free throw line. Morgan Lee added 20 points for Bemidji State and Kate Warmack picked up a double-double with 13 points and 11 boards.

Abby Kenealy led the Mustangs with 13 points and five rebounds. Kenealy recorded double-digits for the 13th time this season. Bree Holleman finished with eight points while Hannah Beeler added seven points for SMSU. SMSU had 11 different players record a basket in the game.

It took the Mustangs nearly six minutes to get on the board in the game as Bemidji State opened the game on a 10-0 run, before Holleman knocked down two free throws finally get SMSU on the board. The Beavers would then go on a 10-4 run getting back-to-back 3-pointers from Shannon Thompson to give BSU a 16-point 22-6 lead.

SMSU was given a chance to get back in the game after missed shots by Bemidji State. Kenealy scored consecutive baskets for the Mustangs to come within 12 at 22-10 but the Beavers fired right back to take an 34-18 lead with just under three minutes left in the half.

Beeler her first 3-pointer of the game with four seconds left in the half and the teams went into the locker room with Bemidji State leading 36-23.

Southwest Minnesota State was ice cold in the first half shooting just 30 percent (8 of 26) from the field. Bemidji State on the other hand shot 48 percent (13 of 27) in the half, including 4 of 8 from 3-point range. The Mustangs turned the ball over 12 times in the first half and were held under 25 points in a half for the second time this season. Minnesota State allowed the Mustangs just 23 points in the first half on Jan. 7.

Bemidji State started off the second half strong, pushing its 13-point halftime lead to 26 at 52-26 just five minutes into the final half.

The Beavers would lead by as much as 30 points in the second half before earning a 77-54 victory over the Mustangs.

SMSU finished the game shooting 34 percent (18 of 53) from the floor. SMSU was just 11 of 20 from the free throw line in the game. The Beavers shot 51 percent in the game, including 9 of 17 from 3-point range.

Southwest Minnesota State will continue NSIC action on the road next weekend traveling to Upper Iowa University and Winona State on Jan. 27-28.