MINOT, N.D. – Stepping up with not one, but two late interceptions, Minot State cornerback Nalu Cordeiro not only helped provide a dramatic victory but earned honors from the NSIC.

The conference announced its NSIC Players of the Week for football on Monday, and Cordeiro was honored as the NSIC Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts in the Beavers' 28-21 home win Saturday over Bemidji State.

Cordeiro's first interception snapped a 21-21 tie late in the fourth quarter as he returned it 49 yards for what proved to be the game-winning score. The touchdown was the sophomore's third defensive score in his collegiate career.

Cordeiro then added one more interception, at the Minot State goal line, which thwarted a possible game-tying score by Bemidji State in the final seconds of the contest.

It was the second time in Cordeiro's career that he intercepted two passes in a game for Minot State, and the two picks give him 6 in his collegiate career.

The NSIC Player of the Week honor was the first this season for Cordeiro and the Minot State football team, which is on the road this coming weekend, playing at Minnesota State Moorhead on Saturday.