BEMIDJI, Minn. – Winona State University closed its weekend road trip with a second straight loss on Sunday, falling in a close contest to Bemidji State University, 62-59.

The Warriors' struggles from three-point range continued in the finale, shooting just 27 percent (7-for-26) from downtown after going 2-for-15 in their loss on Saturday at Crookston.

Despite shooting just 34 percent from the field on Sunday, a stout defensive effort kept Winona in the game in the second half of play. The teams traded the lead eight times in the final 20 minutes of action with the Beavers taking their decisive lead with 30 second remaining in regulation.

Neither team led by more than four points in the second half, and after a combined four-minute scoring drought, Corey Jeffs' three-pointer gave WSU a 48-44 lead midway through the half. Christian Pekarek knocked down two straight three-pointers for Bemidji soon after to knot the score at 50-apiece with 8:24 left on the clock.

The Beavers and Warriors traded baskets and stops until the final minute when Mason Domask knocked down a clutch shot from downtown to give WSU a 59-58 advantage. Bemidji converted on its ensuing possession to take a 60-59 lead, and a Warrior miss on the other end set up the Beavers to ice the game at the free throw line.

Bemidji was red hot from three-point land in the first half, knocking down 9-of-16 attempts to take a 40-36 lead into the break. Winona tightened up on the defensive end in the second half, but came up short in its comeback bid.

Kevion Taylor led Winona with 13 points and six rebounds in the setback.

Winona State falls to 8-6 (3-5 NSIC) with the loss, while Bemidji State improves to 6-7 (3-5 NSIC).

The Warriors will look to turn the page when the calendar flips to 2018 back in McCown Gymnasium next weekend. Winona hosts Southwest Minnesota State at 8 p.m. on Friday, January 5 to open a four-game homestand.