BEMIDJI, Minn. – Minot State University left its 3-point shooting slump in 2014.

The Beavers drilled 7 of 10 3-pointers and shot 56.5 percent from the floor to roll over Bemidji State 81-58 in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference women's basketball Friday at the BSU Gymnasium.

"What a great team effort tonight," said MSU head coach Sheila Green Gerding. "We moved the ball well and took good shots and knocked those shots down. We are seeing some progress and continue to improve."

Minot State (7-6 overall, 2-5 NSIC) broke a two-game losing streak and shot better than it has during any NSIC game this season. The Beavers jumped out to a big 18-5 lead on a Sarah Lester (Jr., G, Frenchtown, Mont.) just after the first media timeout.

By Amanda Sansaver's (Jr., G, Wolf Point, Mont.) 3-pointer – the fifth on five tries for MSU in the first half – it was 37-16. The lead never dipped below double figures from there.

Minot State scorched the nets in the first half with 64.5 percent shooting from the floor and seven players scored. The Beavers held BSU (3-8, 1-6) to just 37.9 percent shooting for the game and limited Bemidji State a single 3-pointer (1-6) in the first half.

"We got great contributions from a number of people," Green Gerding said. "When we get that kind of offensive production, we give ourselves a great chance. Our overall effort was better tonight in a lot of areas."

Lester and Alex Haley led the Beavers in scoring at half as Lester poured in 12 points off the bench and Haley found her early-season scoring touch with 14. Haley finished 19 points on 8-of-10 shooting from the floor, hitting both 3-pointers and a free throw, and had two steals, an assist and a rebound.

Minot State also got great balance and contributions from multiple players. Seven different players scored and one who didn't, senior Katie Hardy (F, Fairview, N.D.), who was limited with an injury, dished out four assists and pulled down four rebounds.

BSU was led in scoring by Tatum Sheley, who scored 13. Sierra Senske added 12 points, while Hanna Zerr scored 10 and handed out six assists in the loss.

Lester finished with 14 points and had three rebounds. Morgan Klose (Sr., G, Fairview, N.D.) and Diondra Denton (So., G, Great Falls, Mont.) both scored 12 points, Christina Boag (Sr., F, Tamworth, Australia) added 11 and Savana Kingsbury (Jr., F, Omaha, Neb.) finished with eight points and seven rebounds for the Beavers. Denton finished with six rebounds and four assists in the win.

Minot State continues to play on the road in NSIC play Saturday traveling down U.S. Highway 2 to Minnesota Crookston for a 4 p.m. matchup.