PITTSBURG, Kan. — Henderson State couldn't slow a red-hot Bemidji State duo Friday, falling 89–69 in its season opener at the Central Region Challenge on the campus of Pittsburg (KS) State University.

The Reddies (0–1) spent much of the day trying to contain Bemidji State's Henry Shannon III and Tate Olson, who combined for 52 points and shot  22 of 28 from the field. Shannon finished with 27 points on 13-of-14 shooting, while Olson added 25 points and 10 rebounds.

Despite the loss, Henderson State saw strong scoring bursts from junior guards Zaveion Okoh, who led the Reddies with 21 points, and KJ Sykes, who added 15, including a trio of second-half buckets that briefly sparked life into an attempted comeback. Deazhon Perkins chipped in 10 points, and Xavier Owens scored 11 off the bench.

Henderson State trailed 48–30 at halftime after Bemidji State shot nearly 67 percent in the opening period. The Reddies responded with a better offensive rhythm in the second half—shooting 53 percent after the break—but never brought the deficit back to single digits. Bemidji repeatedly answered Henderson State runs with inside scoring, finishing with 56 points in the paint.

Henderson State was able to pull within 13 midway through the second half, but Shannon scored on back-to-back trips to restore control for the Beavers. The Reddies forced 15 turnovers and converted them into 27 points, but the Beavers' efficiency—64.7 percent shooting for the game—proved too much to overcome.

The Reddies continue their opening weekend at the Central Region Challenge on Saturday, when they face off against Minnesota State. Tip-off is scheduled for 1 p.m.