John Pecarich’s 35 Points Propel Bemidji State Past St. Leo

In an impressive display of skill, John Pecarich led the Bemidji State University men’s basketball team to an 87-78 victory over St. Leo University during the Thanksgiving Classic held in Lakeland, Florida, on November 24, 2023. Pecarich’s exceptional performance, highlighted by five successful 3-pointers, propelled the Beavers to a strong start in the tournament.

Pecarich’s Stellar Night

Pecarich scored a remarkable total of 35 points, demonstrating his prowess from beyond the arc with a shooting percentage of 55.6% from 3-point range. He also maintained a perfect record at the free-throw line, going 6-for-6. His offensive contribution was crucial in securing the win for the Beavers against a determined St. Leo team.

Joining Pecarich in the scoring effort was Henry Shannon III, who added 20 points to the team’s tally. Other notable contributors included Josephson with 12 points and Fairbanks and Severts, each contributing 8 points.

Game Statistics and Highlights

The match saw the Beavers take a commanding lead in the first half, ending it with a score of 47-35. Despite a strong second-half push from St. Leo, which outscored Bemidji State 43-40, the Beavers managed to hold on to their lead and secure the victory.

In terms of rebounds, Nathan Fenske led the Beavers with 7 rebounds, while Isaac Severts topped the assists with 5. The team’s overall performance was solid, recording 33 field goals out of 62 attempts and hitting 9 of 22 from 3-point range.

For St. Leo, Hill emerged as the leading scorer with 27 points, followed by Pawlikowski with 19 points and Smith contributing 11 points. The team struggled with their shooting accuracy, making only 28 out of 76 field goal attempts and just 6 of 27 from 3-point territory.

This win marks a significant beginning for the Beavers in the Thanksgiving Classic, setting a positive tone for their upcoming matches in the tournament. With Pecarich leading the charge, Bemidji State looks to build on this momentum as they continue to compete in Lakeland.